Rodrigo Prieto did not study to win awards but to tell moving stories
Rodrigo Prieto did not study to win awards but to tell moving stories. The cinematographer shared his thoughts on the Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography and his previous experiences in the film industry.
By Megan Sauer
In the recent wave of nominations for the 96th Academy Awards, The Moon Killers, directed by Martin Scorsese, stood out with ten nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography.
Among the talented nominees is noted Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto , who has left an indelible mark on the film industry with his exceptional ability to tell visually impactful stories.
In a Zoom conference for the media (via La Jornada ), Prieto shared his thoughts on the nomination and his previous experiences in the film industry.
Despite his success and recognition, the filmmaker emphasized that his main motivation has always been to tell moving stories rather than chasing awards.
“Mexico is always present when they recognize my work. My roots are in my projects.
I am with my flag representing Mexico,” said Prieto, highlighting the importance of maintaining his cultural connections in his creative work.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest names and has carried with him Mexico’s rich cinematic heritage.
Prieto reflected on his beginnings in the industry and how his dreams have not changed substantially over the years. “One simply dreams of working on this type of project.
I did not study thinking about awards, but about having the opportunity to tell stories that move,” shared the cinematographer.
This humble, narrative-focused perspective has been a constant throughout his career, highlighting his dedication to the very essence of cinema.
The filmmaker recalled a significant moment during the filming of Amores Perros when Alejandro González Iñárritu received an Oscar nomination.
“We were filming in Real de Catorce and from afar we saw him calling on a satellite phone through which he had been notified… seeing him celebrate was exciting because that nomination was for the entire film,” Prieto recalled.
This memory underlines the idea that individual recognition is always linked to the collective success of the entire team involved in a film.
When talking about expectations for the upcoming Oscar ceremony, Prieto took a realistic perspective and shared his vision for the awards show.
“The Oscars are just a party, because to think otherwise is wrong, because it cannot be a competition in which there is no score, but rather what others think; that is out of one’s hands. It is only shared with other colleagues,” he said.
Regarding the competition in the Best Cinematography category, where Prieto will face prominent professionals such as Hoyte van Hoytema, Matthew Libatique, Robbie Ryan and Edward Lachman, the Mexican cinematographer recognized the possibilities but highlighted the unpredictability of the results.
“I know about the possibilities, but anything can happen. Expectations lead to disappointment,” Prieto commented. Greta Gerwig ‘s surprising absence in the Best Director category was also mentioned, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the nominations.
The Mexican government was quick to congratulate the talented cinematographer for his well-deserved nomination.
Rodrigo Prieto will now face tight competition in the Best Cinematography category, but his focus on telling meaningful stories and his connection to his cultural roots remain the driving forces that define his remarkable career in photography cinematography.
The 96th Academy Awards will take place on March 10, and movie buffs around the world will be eager to see if Killers on the Moon will achieve glory at this prestigious celebration of cinema.
