Inside the January 2026 Issue of American Cinematographer

ASC Staff

American Cinematographer

The January 2026 edition of American Cinematographer features coverage of Marty Supreme, Hamnet, Dust Bunny, The American Revolution and A House of Dynamite. The issue also offers insights into how cinematographers communicate with the director.

President’s Desk — Reflections on Camerimage

Mandy Walker, ASC, ACS highlights meaningful moments from the latest edition of the EnergaCamerimage International Film Festival.

Marty Supreme — Khondji and Safdie's Creative Partnership

Director of photography Darius Khondji, ASC, AFC shares a wide-ranging conversation with Richard Crudo, ASC about his work on Marty Supreme, and director Josh Safdie reflects on his collaborative dynamic with Khondji.

From right: Cinematographer Darius Khondji, ASC, AFC and director Josh Safdie on location in New York City for 'Marty Supreme.' (Photo by Atsushi Nishijima, courtesy of A24.)

Hamnet — Envisioning a Shakespearean Tragedy

Cinematographer Łukasz Żal, PSC details his approach to adapting the historical novel Hamnet for the screen with director Chloé Zhao.

Cinematographer Łukasz Żal, PSC (right) and director Chloé Zhao on the set of Hamnet. (Photo courtesy of Focus Features.)

Dust Bunny — Crafting a Dark Modern Fairy Tale

Nicole Hirsch Whitaker, ASC and director Bryan Fuller illuminate their collaboration on Dust Bunny, a film whose potent blend of genres, the cinematographer says, provided her "a visual candy store."

'Dust Bunny' cinematographer Nicole Hirsch Whitaker, ASC. (Photo by Craig Lyn, courtesy of Roadside Attractions.)

The American Revolution — A Docuseries 10 Years in the Making

Buddy Squires, ASC and co-producers/co-directors Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David P. Schmidt break down their approach to the documentary series The American Revolution.

Cinematographer Buddy Squires, ASC shoots a reenacted battle for 'The American Revolution.' (Photo courtesy of PBS and Florentine Films.)

A House of Dynamite — Bringing Realism to a Nuclear-War Thriller

Cinematographer Barry Ackroyd, BSC discusses his approach to Kathryn Bigelow’s kinetic drama A House of Dynamite.

Cinematographer Barry Ackroyd, BSC prepares to capture shots on location in Washington, D.C. for 'A House of Dynamite.' (Photo by Eros Hoagland, courtesy of Netflix.)

Shot Craft

There is no “right” way to communicate with the director, but here are some proven methods.

In Memoriam: Adam Greenberg, ASC

Reflecting on the legacy of Adam Greenberg, ASC, whose feature credits included The Big Red One, The Terminator, La Bamba, Near Dark, Eraser, Rush Hour and Sphere.

Clubhouse News

The latest bulletins from the Society feature highlights from EnergaCamerimage 2025, the ASC/AC
Book Fair, the ASC Photo Gallery, AC Screening Series presentations, and an Education & Outreach event for Pasadena’s ArtCenter College of Design.