The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is set to celebrate a major milestone in 2025, marking 40 years of recognising outstanding achievements in cinematography. The 40th Annual ASC Awards will take place on 8 March 2025 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, and will be streamed live to a global audience.
First established in 1986, the ASC Awards have become a prestigious event in the film and television calendar, spotlighting the artistic and technical excellence of directors of photography who shape the visual language of storytelling. This year’s ceremony will include categories for feature films, episodic television, documentaries, and music videos.
In addition to the competitive categories, the ASC will present several honorary awards, including the ASC Lifetime Achievement Award, the Career Achievement in Television Award, and the Board of Governors Award, recognising individuals whose work has had a significant impact on the field of cinematography.
Founded in 1919, the ASC now includes 471 active members from over 20 countries, as well as 316 associate members drawn from related sectors of the screen industries.
Key eligibility periods for the 40th ASC Awards are as follows:
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Music Videos: 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2025
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Documentaries & Television: 1 December 2024 – 30 November 2025
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Theatrical Feature Films & Spotlight Award: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025
Submissions will open on 15 September 2025, with the following deadlines:
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3 November 2025: Submissions due for Television, Documentary, and Music Video
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14 November 2025: Submissions due for Theatrical Feature Films
Nomination voting begins on 21 November for Television and Music Video categories, and on 8 December for Theatrical Feature Films. Voting in all categories will close at noon PT on 7 January 2026, with nominations announced on 8 January.
Final round voting will run from 12 January to 3 March 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on 8 March.
Full submission guidelines, eligibility rules, and a detailed timeline are available at www.theasc.com.
