Kazkh cinematographer accepted into Oscars jury

Tengrinews.kz - Kazakh cinematographer Yerkinbek Ptyraliev has been named a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, becoming part of the prestigious Oscars jury. He will join fellow members in voting and selecting the winners of the Academy Awards.

Ptyraliev shared the exciting news on social media, showcasing a letter from the Academy confirming his membership. He revealed that the process began three years ago and he only recently shared the news with the public. As a member, Yerkinbek will have the opportunity to attend major film industry conferences, vote on the committee, and participate in the upcoming 2025 Oscars.

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Публикация от Еркінбек Птыралиев (@yerkinbek_ptyraliyev)

In an interview, Ptyraliev explained that there are no strict criteria for joining the Academy, but extraordinary talent in film is essential. He mentioned that in 2021, renowned cinematographer Dion Beebe took notice of the Kazakh film "Yellow Cat," which was nominated for Best Foreign Film.

"‘Yellow Cat’ was a film I worked on with director Adilkhan Yerzhanov. Dion Beebe saw the film and was impressed with our work. He appreciated our cinematic language and, in 2022, expressed his interest in nominating me for Academy membership," Ptyraliev shared.

Initially, Ptyraliev was skeptical when he received the message from Beebe, thinking it might be a mistake. "I saw the message after returning from a film shoot for 'Steppe Wolf.' It was hard to believe someone like Beebe was reaching out to me. It was a pleasant surprise, and we continued discussions throughout 2023," he said.

To be considered for the Academy, Ptyraliev submitted his resume and film portfolio. He credits Beebe’s recommendation for his successful nomination.

"Dion asked for more of my films, including 'Boy Atbay,' 'Hosts,' and others. After further negotiations, I received confirmation of my membership in June 2024. It’s an honor to represent Kazakh cinema at such a high level," Ptyraliev concluded.

Dion Beebe, an Australian cinematographer and Oscar and BAFTA winner, is known for his work on "Memoirs of a Geisha," which earned him an Oscar. His filmography also includes "Edge of Tomorrow," "Equilibrium," "Chicago," and "The Innocent."