Acclaimed cinematographer Mandy Walker has officially taken the helm as the 48th president of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), marking a historic milestone as the first woman to lead the prestigious organization since its inception in 1919.
Walker, who gained worldwide recognition for her stunning visual work on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, not only broke ground in 2023 by winning the top ASC Award for cinematography in a feature film, but also became just the third woman ever to be nominated for an Academy Award in the category.
Expressing her gratitude, Walker shared, “It is a great honor to be the president of the ASC, and an even bigger privilege to be the first woman to hold the position.” She emphasized her commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and inclusivity within the cinematography community.
Her leadership comes at a transformative time, as the ASC continues to push for greater representation and innovation behind the camera. “I’m excited for the future of our organization and proud of our century-old legacy to advance the art and science of cinematography,” she added.
Walker takes over from Shelly Johnson, who completed his term and passed the torch with a “warm heart,” welcoming her as the new guiding force of the ASC.
Joining Walker in ASC’s leadership are newly elected board officers: vice presidents Eric Steelberg, John Simmons, and Patrick Cady; treasurer Charles Minsky; secretary Dejan Georgevich; and sergeant-at-arms Charlie Lieberman.
The ASC Board, elected by its active members, also includes notable cinematographers such as Natasha Braier, Alice Brooks, Russell Carpenter, and Richard Crudo, among others. Alternates include respected names like Polly Morgan and Wally Pfister.
Hailing from Australia, Mandy Walker’s cinematographic achievements span iconic works like Australia, Hidden Figures, Tracks, and Disney’s Mulan. Her visionary style has elevated both narrative features and commercial projects, including the luxurious Chanel No. 5 campaign starring Nicole Kidman and Gisele Bündchen.
Walker is not only a member of the Australian Cinematographers Society but also serves as a governor for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Over the years, she has earned numerous honors, including the ACS Cinematographer of the Year Milli Award and the prestigious Order of Australia Medal.
Her presidency ushers in a new era for the ASC, reinforcing its mission to champion creativity, diversity, and professional excellence. “We will continue to lead efforts in raising awareness about the importance of representation behind the camera,” Walker affirmed.