The 2023 FilmLight Colour Award winners were announced by jury president Lawrence Sher, ASC, at a color ceremony as part of EnergaCamerimage in Poland on November 12. The awards, which are open to colorists on any grading platform, were independently judged by renowned cinematographers, directors and colorists.

“These diversely talented artists – and the inspiring work they helped craft – are a testament to the critical importance of the colorist in the art of filmmaking,” says Sher. “It’s great to see these artists come from across the globe – proving that good work isn’t limited to huge budgets or big shops, but available to everyone with a good eye and refined skills.”

The award for the grading of a theatrical feature went to Yvan Lucas at Company 3 for Barbie. Lucas worked closely with director Greta Gerwig and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, ASC, AMC, to create the perfect “Barbie look.” Gerwig wanted the skin tones in BarbieLand to be more pastel and less saturated, but everything else about the shots to be full of those pinks, turquoises and other colors that stand out so much. The look was partially defined by a specific LUT that Lucas and Prieto created to enhance the strong feeling of saturation and push the colors into the BarbieLand space.

“It is like the recognition of a lifetime’s work,” comments Lucas. “It brings me immense joy that color grading is recognized as an essential part in crafting the look of a film. The experience of working on this film with Rodrigo and Greta was one of the most artistically gratifying of my career.”

The award for grading of a TV series/episodic went to freelance colorist Dirk Meier for his work at D-Facto Motion on Season 1 of The Pimp: No F***ing Fairytale. Meier and cinematographer Tim Kuhn found look inspiration in a music video that used documentary footage from a sequence of the 1962 movie, Mondo Cane, shot in the red-light district around the Reeperbahn street. Meier developed a highly textured look with a dark and moody atmosphere. Especially in the HDR version, he worked with the extended range of contrast and wider color palette to create a period feeling with lifted black levels, while ensuring the 1980s neon lights stood out.

“When I first read the list of nominees and their projects, I couldn’t fully grasp how I made it into this group,” says Meier. “And now I’m really grateful and touched that the jury found my work merits this award.”

The award for grading of a commercial went to Tim Masick at Company 3 for his work on Zara Man, SS23. Masick, who also won the commercial category in 2021, worked with director Fabien Baron and DP Philippe Le Sourd to create the winning spot. Masick worked to create a fantasy/dream world where the elements are subtly dramatized – recreating the mood and imagery of Red Desert, Paris, Texas and photographer Todd Hido.

“I am honored that our work has been recognized by the jurors among so much great work from around the world,” comments Masick. “Winning a second time is a great affirmation, but also feels like a challenge to go beyond and push things further.”

The award for the grading of a music video went to freelance colorist Marina Starke for her work on Horra by Mayyas – America’s Got Talent’s 2022 dance group winners. Starke was nominated across three categories this year, making her a five-time nominee of the FilmLight Colour Awards. Horra was directed by the all-female group’s choreographer, Nadim Cherfan, and shot by cinematographer Shadi Chaaban, who Starke worked closely with to create the moody, mysterious and bold aesthetic that they were looking to achieve.

The Spotlight award, which showcases the craft that contributes to the creative impact of a low-budget feature, went to freelance colorist Cem Ozkilicci for his work at Uhoert on Possession. Inspired by Scandinavian romantic and landscape painters, Ozkilicci completed the grade over 10 days, working closely with director Henrik Martin and cinematographer Oskar Dahlsbakken to create a nostalgic look with a unique patina – achieved through a combination of lenses and sharpening techniques in grading.