Artist, Tree of Life Earn ASC Award Nominations

The American Society of Cinematographers recognized a typically diverse, eclectic gang of shooters this morning, singling out cinematographers from four countries -- including two first-time nominees -- in revealing its 2012 awards nominations.

Congratulations to Guillaume Schiffman (The Artist), Jeff Cronenweth (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Robert Richardson (Hugo), Hoyte van Hoytema (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Emmanuel Lubezki (The Tree of Life) on their nods from the esteemed trade group, which will announce its winner on Feb. 12. Last year's winner, Inception cinematographer Wally Pfister, continued on to win an Academy Award.

The news is arguably another blow for War Horse, which has now been ignored by three awards bodies of varying importance -- the ASC, the Directors Guild and the Art Directors Guild -- in the last week. But! Steven Spielberg's film did receive a fantastic illustrated review, so there is that. High-fives to all!

[ASC]