Sir Roger Deakins, Oscar-winning cinematographer, has stated that his knighthood was for all those he has worked with since he received the royal honour at Windsor Castle.
72-year old Devon-born cameraman was knighted on Tuesday by Prince Charles for services to film.
After speaking to PA, he stated: “These things make me very nervous but I feel a bit more relaxed now.”
“It was very touching actually, very moving. Especially seeing everybody else involved.”
Sir Roger Deakins, for his contribution to filmmaking (Steve Parsons/PA), was knighted at Windsor Castle.PA Wire/PA Images – Steve Parsons
Few people can boast a portfolio of work like Sir Roger, the most celebrated cinematographer in Bafta History. He counts The Shawshank Redemption and Fargo as his best-known works.
He is widely considered one of the greatest cinematographers of all times. His collaborations and achievements with directors such as Sir Sam Mendes and the Coen brothers have earned him numerous awards.
Among them are five Baftas and two Oscars for cinematography. He won the latter in 2018 for Blade Runner 2049, and then two years later for The First World War Drama 1917.
Everybody that’s getting an award or has got an award, it’s just they’re a figurehead for something that’s much bigger
Sir Roger Deakins
Sir Roger made it clear that his knighthood as well as other recognitions were for his collaborators too. “many amazing people in the film industry”.
He stated: “This really is for everybody I’ve ever worked with, because you are a product of everything and everybody that has been around you your whole life.
“So, this is not just for me.
“That’s the pity of awards and, really, everybody that’s getting an award or has got an award, it’s just they’re a figurehead for something that’s much bigger, broader, involves more people.
“So it’s like when I won an Oscar, that’s for my crew as much as for myself, because it’s a tribute to them.”
Sir Roger was asked what he is most proud of during his five-decade career. “I’m not really proud of things.
“I’ve had a wonderful career in film. It’s a wonderful trip.”
Charles asked him during the ceremony if he was still excited about his job and what he was doing now, he replied.
Sir Roger once said: “Yes, still enthusiastic, of course.
“I’m starting to work on a film at the moment with Sam Mendes.”
Sir Roger and Sir Sam worked first together on Jarhead in 2005, then Revolutionary Road and the James Bond adventure Skyfall.
Their most difficult project together was 1917. It was shot in several long continuous takes. Sir Roger said that it was the hardest. “pressure was pretty extreme”.
Sir Roger and Sir Sam Mendes, director of First World War drama 1917 (Andrew Milligan/PA).PA Archive/PA Images – Andrew Milligan
Isabella James Purefoy Ellis (script supervisor) said that the investiture was made. “really quite moving”.
She stated: “You get greeted at the door by people who say ‘we’re so glad you’re here’.
“You go to the Oscars and they say ‘oh, you’re so lucky to be here’, so there’s such a switch.”
Sir Roger was also CBE in 2013.
The cinematographer was born May 24, 1949 in Torquay (Devon).
After graduating from college, he applied for the National Film School. However, he was unsuccessful in his application as his photography was not considered acceptable. “filmic” enough.
He spent the next year photographing the local area’s rural life and was eventually admitted.
He graduated from college and worked as a cameraman for documentaries about conflict in Africa. Also, he was a crew member on a yacht for nine month to film the Whitbread Round The World Race.
He worked as a musician in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s.
He began his long-term collaboration in 1991 with the Coen brothers. His first film was Barton Fink, then he moved on to O Brother Where Art Thou? True Grit and Barton Fink.
A collection of his still photographs dating back to the 1970s was published by him recently.