The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) has chosen eight honorees to receive the 2025 Emerging Cinematographer Awards (ECAs).
The 27th annual awards gala and reception will be held at the Television Academy Saban Media Center Wolf Theatre, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The eight filmmakers, selected from 100 submissions, are:
Name, Film Title
- Isaac Banks, “The Trophy King”
- John B. Barrett, “Recall”
- Daniel Cotroneo, “Yae: Blind Samurai Woman”
- Eythan Maidhof, “Class Clown”
- Mariscela Beatríz Méndez, “The Middle”
- Josh Pickering, “Boundless | HomeAid”
- Steven Jacob Russell, “Hammer”
- Alexa Wolf, “To Fade Away”
The ECAs support the next generation of visual storytellers by spotlighting and honoring early-career and emerging Directors of Photography. A panel of established ICG members from across the country assess submissions from Local 600 members who are not yet classified as Directors of Photography. The awards are presented to the cinematographers of short films, under 30 minutes in length.
“The Emerging Cinematographer Awards reflect the important values that ICG stands for — fostering talent, mentorship, and supporting a strong creative community,” says John Lindley, ASC, National President of the ICG. “These honorees represent the future of our craft, and we’re privileged to elevate their visions at this pivotal moment in their careers.”
“By recognizing outstanding talent at the earliest stages of their careers, the ICG is proud to help open doors and create opportunities for emerging Directors of Photography to thrive in this dynamic industry,” says Steven Poster, ASC, Chair of the Guild’s ECA committee.
Eduardo Fierro, SVC, 2013 ECA alumnus who now joins this year as the new Co-Chair of the ECA committee, adds, “It’s an honor to step into this role and help continue the tradition of uplifting fresh voices in cinematography. As an ECA alumnus, this has been a full circle experience for me. The ECAs celebrate both artistic excellence and the spirit of mentorship that defines our community.”
The Panavision family of companies returns as the Premier-level sponsor. At the Bronze level, J.L. Fisher Inc. and RED Digital Cinema join this year’s sponsors. ECA Partners also include Picture Shop and Deluxe.
All sponsor donation proceeds will go directly to the IATSE Local 600 Hardship Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides assistance to members facing work loss due to illness, injury or natural disaster.
The awards ceremony will include the screening of the honorees’ eight short films, as well as a presentation of the Distinguished Filmmaker Award and ASC Mentor Award, both of which will be announced at a later date.
About THE INTERNATIONAL CINEMATOGRAPHERS GUILD (ICG)
The International Cinematographers Guild represents approximately 10,000 members who work in film, television, streaming and commercials as directors of photography, camera operators, digital imaging technicians, visual effects supervisors, still photographers, camera assistants, film loaders, broadcasters and all members of camera crews and publicists. The first cinematographers union was established in New York in 1926, followed by unions in Los Angeles and Chicago. In 1996, Local 600 united as a national guild. In addition to its work organizing, bargaining and enforcing contracts and advocating for legislation that serves working families, training and mentorship, ICG’s ongoing events include the Emerging Cinematographer Awards and the ICG Publicists Awards Luncheon. The Guild also publishes the award-winning ICG Magazine.
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