THR Visionary: 5 Janusz Kaminski Shots

Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski’s work is notable for its range, with each film’s visual style shaped by the story rather than by a fixed signature look. The Polish-born cinematographer received the 2026 THR Visionary Award for excellence in cinematography, recognising a career spanning three decades.

Five films show that variety: *Schindler’s List* used stark black-and-white, with a red coat as its only splash of colour, and won Kaminski his first Oscar. *Saving Private Ryan* adopted a raw, washed-out combat look that influenced war films and brought him a second Oscar. In *The Diving Bell and the Butterfly*, subjective framing reflects its protagonist’s limited vision; *War Horse* uses a sweeping, painterly style; and *Munich* draws on the grainy, muted look of 1970s thrillers. The latter three earned Oscar nominations.