James Laxton is an American cinematographer, best known for his collaboration with Barry Jenkins, with his work on Moonlight earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Career Laxton began at Florida State University, where he met Barry Jenkins. After graduating, Laxton entered the industry by assisting the camera department on features and shorts, including projects from directors such as David Nordstrom, David Parker, and Cole Schreiber.
In childhood, Laxton accompanied his mother, a noted costume designer, to film sets. He reported being inspired by the rhythm of chaos and calm on the movie set, which played a significant role in his decision to enter the industry.Friedman, Illya. "James Laxton, ASC on Best Picture winner Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk: working with Barry Jenkins and Kevin Smith, his early career and influences." The Cinematography Podcast, Hot Rod Cameras/Spotify, 01-08-2020, https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IM2SrtOAFpblygqBx6Kke.
Laxton's most critically acclaimed credit is the 2016 film Moonlight، directed by Jenkins. A relatively low budget of 1.5 million dollars forced Laxton to forgo equipment such as underwater camera gear and search for innovative cinematographic solutions.
If Beale Street Could Talk was also a Jenkins collaboration. The film features a tragic love story set in 1970s New York City, between Clementine "Tish" Rivers (played by KiKi Layne) and wood artist Alonzo "Fonny" Hunt (played by Stephan James). The two struggle against racism, sexual harassment and assault, and a false rape accusation.
In discussing the success of the movie, which has been described as "trading docu-realism for crafted visual poetry of the highest level," Laxton and Jenkins accredited their years-long process of conversation and collaboration.
Awards and nominations Year Title Awards/Nominations 2008 Medicine for Melancholy Nominated – Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography 2016 Moonlight Independent Spirit Award for Best CinematographyLos Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best CinematographyNew York Film Critics Circle Award for Best CinematographySan Francisco Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cinematography Nominated – Academy Award for Best CinematographyNominated – ASC Award for Outstanding CinematographyNominated – Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best CinematographyNominated – Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best CinematographyNominated – San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best CinematographyNominated – St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Award for Best CinematographyNominated – Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography 2018 If Beale Street Could Talk Nominated – Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography
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