Fabian Wagner ASC BSC awarded an honorary doctorate

Fabian Wagner graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2003 with an MA in Film & Moving Image Production from the Northern Film School.

Since then he has enjoyed a very successful career as a cinematographer, working across the world on productions including The Crown, Sherlock, Game of Thrones and DC’s Justice League.

Fabian Wagner said: ‘’I have never expected or taken anything for granted in my career so to be awarded Honorary Graduate came as a great surprise. I wish my mum was still alive, she would be very proud of me today.

“During my time in Leeds, I met the most wonderful people who inspired me during my studies and I’ve even been lucky to work with some of those people throughout my career.’’

Fabian’s work on the Sherlock episode “A Scandal in Belgravia” and the Game of Thrones episode “Hardhome” earned him two Emmy nominations in 2012 and 2015.

His first feature film was Victor Frankenstein for 20th Century Fox in 2013. His next film, The Legend of Barney Thomson (2015) under director Robert Carlyle won the Scottish Bafta award for best movie.

Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor said: ‘’On behalf of all of our staff, students and Governors here at Leeds Beckett University, I would like to congratulate Fabian Wagner on this Honorary Degree.

“We’re proud to see one of our alumni being internationally recognised for his talent and his significant contribution to the film and television industry.

“Our university’s commitment to the arts can be seen in the new £80m Leeds School of Arts building, offering industry standard facilities for hands-on learning to support the next generation of filmmakers and creatives.’’

Fabian’s work has also been internationally recognised, winning the American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Regular Series for his work on Game of Thrones in 2017 and for The Crown in 2021.

The Honorary Doctorate was granted as part of the university’s 2022 Graduation ceremonies at the first direct arena in Leeds.