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.
Awards and nominations
Other awards
As cinematographerAs director
| Year | Title | Award/Nomination |
| 2008 | From Within | Festival of Fantastic Films Special Commendation Award Gérardmer Critics Award for Best Feature Film |
| 2009 | Arcadia Lost | Nominated–Orpheus Award for Best Feature Film Nominated–German Independence Audience Award |
| 2016 | A Beautiful Day | Rhode Island Festival First Prize for Best Short Film Rhode Island Festival Audience Award for Best Short Film Van Vlahakis Award for Best Short Film |