American Cinematographer - February 2020 - 68

Second
to None
Honored with the
Presidents Award,
Don McCuaig, ASC
exemplifies the notion of
"giving back" in volunteer
service to the Society's
many initiatives
By David E. Williams

If you've been fortunate enough to attend the ASC Awards
for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography ceremony over the past three years, the sure hand of Awards
Committee Chairman Don McCuaig, ASC was readily
apparent. Benefitting from his experience in producing,
staging and shooting live events, the show became even
more polished, making cinematography's biggest night
that much more special and memorable while paying tribute to the artists being honored.
This year, however, it's McCuaig's turn to take the
stage, as the recipient of the ASC Presidents Award. This
honor is bestowed upon Society members who volunteer
their time and talents to help fulfill the organization's
founding mission to educate the next generation and
elevate cinematographers as key collaborators in the
motion-picture community. In recent years, it has been
presented to Nancy Schreiber, Matthew F. Leonetti and
Curtis Clark.
That said, receiving this accolade makes McCuaig
slightly uncomfortable. "I'm not someone who enjoys the
spotlight," he admits with trademark directness. "I like
68

February 2020

working behind the scenes, making things happen that
would not otherwise, and working with all the other
volunteers. So, while I have been the chairman of the
Awards Committee for the past three years, this is in no
way a solo effort, and being singled out for an award is ...
well, it's humbling and deeply appreciated, but let's just
say I'm outside my element."
For decades, McCuaig has been testing the boundaries of his "element" since fulfilling his childhood dream
of becoming a director of photography.
Growing up in Canada as an avid moviegoer
fostered his interest in filmmaking, and it was a screening
of the Biblical epic The Robe (1953; photographed in
CinemaScope by Leon Shamroy, ASC) that made a lasting
impression. "I wasn't supposed to see that movie," he
remembers with a wry smile, "but I put together 35 cents
for a ticket and snuck off to watch it." He'd seen the light,
"but Hollywood was a far-off place and not something I
ever thought I could be a part of. My reality was to get an
education; I knew that was the key to everything."
McCuaig volunteered for Canadian military service

American Cinematographer - 100 Years



American Cinematographer - February 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - February 2020

Contents
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - Cover1
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - Cover2
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - 1
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - Contents
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - 3
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - 4
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - 5
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - 6
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - 7
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American Cinematographer - February 2020 - Cover3
American Cinematographer - February 2020 - Cover4
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