Phedon Papamichael


Phedon Papamichael, ASC is a Greek cinematographer and film director, known for his collaborations with directors James Mangold and Alexander Payne.
He has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, for Nebraska and The Trial of the Chicago 7.

Early life and education

Papamichael was born in Athens, Greece in 1962 to a Greek father and a German mother.
When he was six years old, his family relocated to the United States, as his father, a well-known artist and set designer, was offered a job as a production designer for John Cassavetes.
He studied photography and art at the University of Munich and received his Bachelor in Fine Arts in 1982.

Career

Papamichael's first job as a cinematographer was in the 1988 film Dance of the Damned, directed by Katt Shea. He would go on to make several future collaborations with director Shea and producer Roger Corman, making him a member of the so-called "Corman Film School", much like his contemporary Janusz Kamiński.
He made his debut as a director with the film Sketch Artist, and later directed Dark Side of Genius, From Within and Arcadia Lost.
In 2000, he was awarded the Prix Vision of the Avignon Film Festival for his cinematography in 27 Missing Kisses.
He has been a member of the American Society of Cinematographers since 2000.

Personal life

He spends his time between Los Angeles and Leonidio, Greece.
In an interview with Greek Reporter, Papamichael said, ”I want to spend more time in Greece from next year. My parents live there and my home is also there. I visit Los Angeles regularly just for my job. Obviously, I will move permanently to Leonidio some time in the future. It’s unlikely to live the twilight of my life in the United States.” He also has a wife and two children.

Filmography

Cinematographer

Film

Television

Director

Awards and nominations

Other awards

As cinematographer
YearTitleAward/Nomination
200027 Missing KissesAvignon Prix Vision
Nominated–Camerimage Golden Frog
2000The Million Dollar HotelNominated–Camerimage Golden Frog
2005Walk the LineCamerimage Presidents' Award
Nominated–Camerimage Golden Frog
2013NebraskaBSC Award for Best Cinematography in a Feature Film
Nominated–Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–Camerimage Golden Frog
Nominated–IndieWire Critics Poll Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–San Francisco Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–St. Louis Film Critics Association Award for Best Cinematography
2019Ford v FerrariNominated–Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–North Texas Film Critics Association Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Cinematography
Nominated–Satellite Award for Best Cinematography

As director
YearTitleAward/Nomination
2008From WithinFestival of Fantastic Films Special Commendation Award
Gérardmer Critics Award for Best Feature Film
2009Arcadia LostNominated–Orpheus Award for Best Feature Film
Nominated–German Independence Audience Award
2016A Beautiful DayRhode Island Festival First Prize for Best Short Film
Rhode Island Festival Audience Award for Best Short Film
Van Vlahakis Award for Best Short Film