CINEMATOGRAPHER · BORN 1949
Roger Deakins
- Born
- 24 May 1949, Torquay, Devon, England, UK
- Known for
- The Oscars (1953), Cursed Films (2020), Allied Forces: Making 1917 (2020), Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter (2015)
26 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
9 Facts From Roger Deakins' Career
- #002
Deakins has never used anamorphic lenses on any film in his career. When shooting in widescreen formats such as 2.35:1, he either chooses Super 35 film stock or crops the image in post-production. Behind this preference lie the natural look and the advantage in light-handling speed that spherical lenses provide. Avoiding unwanted flaws such as lens flares caused by anamorphic lenses is also important to him. This technical approach reflects the consistency and aesthetic sensibility of his cinematography.
- #004
For many years, Deakins was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography 13 times without winning. That record, which he shared in this category with George J. Folsey, ended when he won his first Oscar for the 2017 film 'Blade Runner 2049'. This achievement became one of the most important turning points of his career and finally brought him the recognition he deserved in the film world.
- #010
In an interview given after the Oscar ceremony on 4 March 2018, Deakins said that receiving his first Oscar alongside his British colleague Gary Oldman carried special meaning for him. Oldman had won his first Oscar for the film 'Darkest Hour'. Early in their careers, Deakins had served as cinematographer on 'Sid and Nancy', the film that launched Oldman. This remains the pair's only collaboration to date, yet the partnership holds an important place in both of their careers.
- #012
Deakins completed his film education at the National Film and Television School, one of the United Kingdom's respected institutions. The school gave him theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and also helped him make his first connections in the industry. He began making a name for himself shortly after graduating. This education is one of the cornerstones of his career success.
- #015
As of 2026, Deakins has contributed the cinematography to eight films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: 'The Shawshank Redemption', 'Fargo', 'A Beautiful Mind', 'No Country for Old Men', 'The Reader', 'A Serious Man', 'True Grit' and '1917'. Of these films, 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'No Country for Old Men' won the award in that category. This achievement proves that he is one of the most respected cinematographers in the industry. These productions bearing his signature rank among the important works of film history.
- #018
Deakins held the title of the most-nominated cinematographer never to win an Oscar, having been nominated 13 times without a win. He ended that drought with his 14th nomination, for 'Blade Runner 2049', and then won his second Oscar with '1917'. In an odd coincidence, composer Thomas Newman, who was first nominated alongside him for 'The Shawshank Redemption', has never won despite 14 nominations, which makes Deakins's achievement all the more meaningful.
- #021
Early in his career, Deakins shot anthropological documentaries in India and Sudan. These experiences developed his ability to understand different cultures and people. His documentary work helped him develop a realistic and natural visual language, and the period deepened his approach to cinematography and carried over into his later fictional productions.
- #022
When Deakins enrolled at Bath Academy of Art, his main goal was to become a painter. During his studies, however, his interest in photography and cinema took over. This shift completely changed his career and brought him worldwide fame in cinematography, while his background in painting added depth to his sense of composition and color.
- #025
Deakins was appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours List. He was then knighted as a Knight Bachelor in the 2021 Queen's New Year Honours List for his services to film. These honors show that his contributions to cinema have been recognized by the state, and they cemented his place among the living legends of British cinema.
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