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Michael Ballhaus Biography

Birth Name:Michael Ballhaus

Birth Place:Berlin, Germany

Profession Cinematographer, Actor, Producer, Director, Art department, Camera department

Fast Facts

  • Served as the Head of the Jury at the 40th Berlin International Film Festival
  • Became a member of the American Society of Cinematographers in 1987
  • His children are assistant director Jan Sebastian Ballhaus and cinematographer Florian Ballhaus
  • Ballhaus was introduced to the entertainment industry at a young age after being born to two actor parents
  • Quote: "I'm always interested in trying new things, experiencing new technologies, and knowing how fast they're developing․"
  • Known for his collaboration with directors Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Martin Scorsese
  • Was a family friend of director Max Ophuls, who he cites as a major influence

Awards

  • 1973Film Award in Gold-Best Cinematography (Beste Kamera/Bildgestaltung): winner
  • 1978Film Award in Gold-Best Cinematography (Beste Kamera/Bildgestaltung): winner
  • 1986Independent Spirit Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1986NSFC Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1988Oscar-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1989LAFCA Award-Best Cinematography: winner
  • 1989NYFCC Award-Best Cinematographer: nominated
  • 1990Oscar-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1990BSFC Award-Best Cinematography: winner
  • 1990Best Cinematography Award-: nominated
  • 1990LAFCA Award-Best Cinematography: winner
  • 1990NSFC Award-Best Cinematography: winner
  • 1990NYFCC Award-Best Cinematographer: nominated
  • 1991BAFTA Film Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1991CFCA Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1992ACCA-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1993ACCA-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1993Golden Frog-: nominated
  • 1993CFCA Award-Best Cinematography: winner
  • 1993NYFCC Award-Best Cinematographer: nominated
  • 1994BAFTA Film Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 1994NSFC Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2001Golden Satellite Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2001Golden Goblet-Best Technology: winner
  • 2002ACCA-Best Achievement in Cinematography: nominated
  • 2002NYFCC Award-Best Cinematographer: nominated
  • 2002Seattle Film Critics Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2003Oscar-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2003ASC Award-Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases: nominated
  • 2003BAFTA Film Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2003CFCA Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2003Gold Derby Film Award-Cinematography: nominated
  • 2003INOCA-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2003IOMA-Best Cinematography (Miglior fotografia): nominated
  • 2003OFCS Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2003Golden Satellite Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2006ACCA-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2006Golden Frog-Main Competition: nominated
  • 2006CFCA Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2006SLFCA Award-Best Cinematography: nominated
  • 2011Felix-Best Cinematography: winner
  • 2013Felix-Best Cinematography: winner
  • 2013Romy-Best Cinematography (Beste Kamera): winner
  • 2014Felix-Best Cinematography: nominated