Checco Varese ASC wins cinematography Emmy

Checco Varese ASC took home the Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie at the Creative Arts Emmys on September 4th for his work on Dopesick‘s “Breakthrough Pain.”

“I want to thank the Television Academy for this honour, Hulu for allowing us to tell this story, Barry Levinson who showed me the way to tell it, Danny Strong for his vision and constant leadership at every turn, and my crew for their creativity and resilience.”

“This award honours all the victims who suffer from the greed and avarice of those who think power and money are more important than a single life.”

The Peruvian-born cinematographer says, “I hope this win brings recognition to Latinos working in the entertainment industry. I am very proud of the recognition, but I’m especially proud of what Dopesick has achieved in the collective conscience of the audience regarding the opioid crisis.”

A recognition long overdue for a Latino immigrant responsible for setting the look of more than twenty pilots, this was Varese’s first Emmy nomination. While the entertainment industry continues to make big strides toward representation in front and behind the camera, there are many diverse filmmakers working that do not receive the recognition they deserve. Varese’s win is proof that the landscape is changing for those who come from underrepresented voices.

Dopesick received 14 Emmy nominations with Varese and Michael Keaton (for lead actor in a limited or anthology series) bringing home the two wins for the series; the first Emmy win for each.