2025 FilmLight Colour Awards: Nominees Revealed

The FilmLight Colour Awards have once again unveiled their distinguished list of nominees for 2025, celebrating the pivotal role of color grading in modern visual storytelling. Among the highly anticipated contenders are major productions such as the feature film ‘Sinners,’ the acclaimed television series ‘Severance,’ and the episodic drama ‘The Studio.’ These awards are dedicated to recognizing the exceptional skill and artistry of colorists across various mediums, from cinematic releases to television, commercials, and music videos.

The FilmLight Colour Awards stand as a testament to the intricate craft of color grading, an often-underestimated aspect of post-production that profoundly influences a project’s mood, narrative, and visual impact. By highlighting these practitioners, the awards aim to bring deserved recognition to those who meticulously shape the aesthetics of moving images.

Celebrating Excellence in Colour Grading

The FilmLight Colour Awards are designed to honor the finest examples of color grading from the preceding year. This includes work that demonstrates technical mastery, creative vision, and an innovative approach to visual aesthetics across a diverse range of content. The awards acknowledge that a skilled colorist can elevate a production, creating distinctive looks that resonate deeply with audiences and enhance the overall storytelling experience.

Leading the Pack: Theatrical Feature Nominees

The category for Theatrical Feature films showcases some of the most compelling cinematic achievements in color. This year’s nominees reflect a breadth of creative approaches:

• ‘Mickey 17’ – graded by Damien Vandercruyssen at Harbor.
• ‘Nosferatu’ – graded by Adam Glassman at Goldcrest.
• ‘Sinners’ – graded by Kostas Theodosiou at FotoKem.
• ‘The Brutalist’ – graded by Máté Ternyik.
• ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ – graded by Gareth Spensley at Company 3.

These nominations highlight the diverse challenges and creative opportunities presented by feature film projects, from large-scale productions to independent cinema.

Spotlight on the Small Screen: TV Series / Episodic Nominees

Television series and episodic content continue to push boundaries in visual quality, and the 2025 nominees for this category demonstrate remarkable artistry:

• ‘Andor’ (season 2, episode 4, 9, 12) – graded by Jean-Clement Soret at Company 3.
• ‘Disclaimer’ (season 1) – graded by Peter Doyle at PostWorks NY.
• ‘Severance’ (season 2) – graded by Tom Poole at Company 3.
• ‘The Studio’ (season 1) – graded by Damien Vandercruyssen at Harbor.

The inclusion of ‘Severance’ and ‘The Studio’ underscores the sophisticated color palettes and consistent visual themes required to define and maintain a show’s unique identity across multiple episodes.

Beyond Film and TV: Commercial and Music Video Excellence

The influence of expert color grading extends beyond traditional film and television into the vibrant worlds of commercials and music videos, where visual impact is paramount. The nominees for Commercial include:

• Bluff Bounce, “Prologue” – graded by Franziska Heinemann.
• Gucci, “We Will Always Have London” – graded by Tim Masick at Company 3.
• KFC, “Obsession” – graded by Mark Gethin at Trafik.
• Office Magazine, “Michael Shannon: A Reflection on Life, Art, Unity and the Divine” ― graded by Dylan Hageman at House Post.

For Music Video, the nominated works are equally striking:

• Bad Bunny, “Nuevayol” – graded by Dante Pasquinelli at Ethos Studio.
• Damiano David, “Next Summer” – graded by Valerio Liberatore at Frame by Frame.
• Maggie Rogers, “In the Living Room” – graded by Jake White at Company 3.
• Wren Evans, “Cứu Lấy Âm Nhạc” – graded by Sam Howells at Ethos Studio.

These categories demonstrate how colorists craft memorable visual experiences within shorter formats, often setting trends and capturing the essence of a brand or artist.

Recognizing New and Unsung Talent: Spotlight and Emerging Talent Awards

The FilmLight Colour Awards also make a concerted effort to shine a light on individuals who might not always receive mainstream recognition, as well as the next generation of colorists.

Spotlight Award

This category recognizes unsung talent who have delivered exceptional work, often in less prominent projects:

• ‘Duchoň’ ― graded by Ondřej Štibingr at PFX.
• ‘Good Shot’ ― graded by Connor Bailey at House Post.
• ‘La Hija Cóndor’ ― graded by Leo Fallas at Fermento Color.
• ‘Nawi Dear Future Me’ ― graded by Marina Starke.

Emerging Talent Award

Dedicated to colorists aged 18 to 35, this award celebrates promising new voices in the industry, showcasing their innovative contributions:

• Bluff Bounce, “Prologue” ― graded by Franziska Heinemann.
• Converse x Daily Paper, “Homecoming” ― graded by Marina Starke.
• S Bahn, “A Century In Motion” ― graded by Imri Agmon.
• Timberland, “50 Years of Hip-Hop” ― graded by Connor Bailey at House Post.

It is noteworthy that Franziska Heinemann and Marina Starke have received multiple nominations, highlighting their significant impact across different categories.

The Awards Ceremony

All winners for the 2025 FilmLight Colour Awards will be announced during a special ceremony on November 16. The event will take place at the EnergaCamerimage in Toruń, Poland, a fitting location given its strong focus on cinematography and visual arts.

Conclusion

The 2025 FilmLight Colour Awards nominations underscore the critical and creative power of color grading in contemporary media. From the dramatic depths of ‘Sinners’ to the distinctive look of ‘Severance’ and ‘The Studio,’ the nominated works represent the pinnacle of skill and imagination in this specialized field. These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also elevate the entire craft of color science and artistry, reminding us of its indispensable role in bringing stories to life on screen.

FAQ

What are the FilmLight Colour Awards?

The FilmLight Colour Awards honor professionals in the field of color grading across various media, including film, television, commercials, and music videos, recognizing their creative and technical excellence.

When and where will the 2025 FilmLight Colour Awards ceremony take place?

The winners will be announced on November 16, 2025, at the EnergaCamerimage in Toruń, Poland.

Which major productions are nominated in the 2025 awards?

Prominent nominees include the feature film ‘Sinners,’ and television series like ‘Severance’ and ‘The Studio.’

What is the purpose of the ‘Emerging Talent’ award?

The ‘Emerging Talent’ award recognizes the outstanding work of up-and-coming colorists aged between 18 and 35, highlighting their potential and innovative contributions to the industry.