Oscar-winning actress, filmmaker and tabloid target Angelina Jolie was Wednesday named the recipient of one of the American Society of Cinematographers’ top awards.
The ASC Board of Governors Award “is given to individuals in the industry whose body of work has made significant and indelible contributions to cinema.” It is the only ASC award not given to a cinematographer, and “is reserved for filmmakers who have been champions for directors of photography and the visual art form,” according to the organization.
“Angelina Jolie sets a high standard,” said ASC President Kees van Oostrum. “She is a true artist, with a strong vision and collaborative spirit. She has also entertained us through her work, but more importantly has brought significant social issues to our attention.”
Jolie, 42, is the daughter of famed “Midnight Cowboy” star Jon Voight. Her stormy breakup with Brad Pitt had been a front-page staple for tabloid publications and entertainment TV shows.
Previous recipients of the award include Ridley Scott, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Christopher Nolan, Warren Beatty, Francis Ford Coppola, Sally Field, Morgan Freeman, Ron Howard, Sydney Pollack, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Jolie, who won an Academy Award in 1999 for her role in “Girl, Interrupted,” made her feature film directorial debut in 2011 with “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” Her fourth feature as a director, “First They Killed My Father,” is currently streaming on Netflix.
She will be recognized on Feb. 17 at the 32nd annual ASC Awards for Outstanding Achievement at Hollywood & Highland’s Ray Dolby Ballroom.
–City News Service