SOC Awards Celebrate ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘The Studio’ by the Society of Camera Operators
Society of Camera Operators Honors Top Talent in Annual Awards Ceremony
The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) recognized outstanding achievements in cinematography during its 2026 SOC Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony, held virtually on Saturday. Colin Anderson and Mark Goellnicht were awarded Camera Operator of the Year in the film and television categories, respectively.
Anderson received the film award for his work on One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and featuring performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn. He was also nominated for his role in A24’s Marty Supreme. In the television category, Goellnicht was honored for his contributions to the comedy series The Studio, particularly the episode titled "The Oner," featuring Seth Rogen.
Colin Anderson on the set of One Battle After Another, left, and Mark Goellnicht filming an episode of The Studio. Warner Bros Pictures; Apple TV
The SOC awards ceremony highlighted the challenges faced by the industry over the past few years, particularly the significant decline in U.S. production due to various factors. The event aimed to celebrate the resilience of SOC members and their contributions to the art of cinematography.
Additionally, Nick Phillips, the inventor and founder of Libra Head, received the SOC’s President’s Award for his innovative stabilization technology, a tool that has become essential in modern filmmaking.
Mathew Moriarty, SOC President, emphasized the critical role camera operators play in connecting filmmakers with audiences, stating, “Camera operators are the connective tissue between vision and audience. The past several years have presented extraordinary challenges for our industry, yet our work has remained bold, inventive and deeply human. This year’s recipients and nominees represent the highest standard of our craft and the enduring strength and resilience of the camera community.”
The 2026 SOC Awards winners are as follows:
Camera Operator of the Year – Film
Colin Anderson
One Battle After Another
Camera Operator of the Year – Television
Mark Goellnicht
The Studio, S1E2 “The Oner”
