Santosh Sivan Receives Prestigious Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens Award At Cannes

Renowned Indian cinematographer Santosh Sivan has been recognised with the prestigious Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens in Cinematography at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Santosh has become the first Asian to receive this award. Actor Preity Zinta presented the award to him at the iconic Palais de Festivals. The honour has been conferred in recognition of his 'career and exceptional quality of work', said an official communication.

With the Cannes Film Festival's Pierre Angénieux award, Santosh joins a prestigious list of past recipients, who include Edward Lachman, Agnès Godard, Barry Ackroyd, and Roger Deakins. An FTII Pune graduate, Santosh is a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers. Over the years, Santosh has worked in over 55 films and 50 documentaries. 

Some of his most well known works include Roja, Dil Se, Iruvar for Mani Ratnam, Vanaprastham for Shaji N Karun, Pukar for Raj Kumar Santoshi, Kaalapani for Priyadarshan, the most beautiful Rudaali for Kalpana Lajmi and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai for Karan Johar. He has also directed more than 15 films including Venice and Toronto selection Asoka, Sundance selection Terrorist, Halo, Urumi, and Malli. Santosh has won 17 National Awards and 6 Filmfare Awards. Santosh is also the first and only Indian member of the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers

A Padma Shri awardee, Santosh has also worked in critically acclaimed International projects like Bride and Prejudice by Gurinder Chadha and Meenaxi for M.F. Hussain, showcasing his versatility on the global stage. He has collaborated frequently with versatile directors like Mani Ratnam and AR Murugadoss for many of their films. A lot of colleagues, friends and celebrities had recorded wonderful and heartfelt tributes for Santosh on the occasion of this award.