8th NZCS Awards for Cinematography – Winners Announced

The New Zealand Cinematographers Society (NZCS) announced the winners of the 8th NZCS Cinematography Awards at the Pullman Hotel on Saturday, 18 October 2025, celebrating the exceptional work of cinematographers across film, television, and digital media.

This year’s awards attracted an impressive 240 entries spanning a diverse range of genres and formats. Each project was judged independently by a panel of experienced industry professionals. All entries were evaluated blind to the creators’ identities — ensuring that the awards recognise excellence through fairness, artistry, and craft.

We’re proud to acknowledge and celebrate the Screen Guild members whose remarkable work was recognised at this year’s event. Their talent, creativity, and dedication continue to elevate the art of cinematography and inspire audiences across Aotearoa and beyond.

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Social Media and Online Content

• Silver: ZEDYN – Joe Murdie

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Music Videos

• Silver: Mokomokai: The One – Alexander Glucina
• Gold: Marlon Williams: Aua Atu Rā – Julian Vares

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Magazine, Lifestyle & Reality

• Silver: Endangered Species Aotearoa: S2 Ep6 Tonga – Ollie Damm-Logan

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Corporate, Brand & Promo

• Bronze: NZ Resident Doctors Association: I Am a Doctor – Mandy – Joe Rixon
• Bronze: Harbinger: Winter Testing – Simon Waterhouse
• Gold: Mason & Wales Architects: Manukard – Oliver Compton

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Documentaries & Factual Series

• Bronze: Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds – Tim Flower

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Specialised & Second Unit

• Bronze: Auckland Timelapse Homage – Mark Lapwood NZCS ACS
• Gold: LOTR: Rings of Power S2 Ep7 – Doomed to Die – Peter Field NZCS

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International Drama & Drama Series

• Invasion: S2 Ep10 – Thomas Burstyn NZCS CSC

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Feature Films – Budget up to $10m

• Silver: Forgive Us All – Peter McCaffrey
• Gold: Ka Whawhai Tonu – Grant McKinnon

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Feature Films – Budget $10 m and Over

• Silver: ASH – Richard Bluck NZCS
• Gold: Abigail – Aaron Morton NZCS

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Emerging Cinematographer of the Year (ECOTY)

• Commended: Mason & Wales Architects: Manukard – Oliver Compton

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A huge congratulations to all our members recognised at the 2025 NZCS Awards for Cinematography.

Your artistry, vision, and commitment to storytelling continue to define the visual excellence of Aotearoa’s screen industry.

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For the full list of winners head to NZCS website.