After winning his first-ever Oscar, Greig Fraser really knew were his priorities lay. 

The Melbourne-born cinematographer landed his first Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Dune.

Despite the prestige go it all, Fraser was simply buzzing that he received his trophy early in the broadcast. His reason? So that he could “get out and get to the bar.” You can take the cinematographer out of Victoria…

He added: “Allowing a middle-aged man to go out and play with his friends in the sand dunes for six months is pretty amazing, so thank you. I’ll be home in time for dinner.”

Elsewhere in his acceptance speech, Fraser made sure to thank his director. “Denis Villeneuve, sir, Master Denis,” he said. “He’s brought a whole group of unknown actors together to make an amazing movie, along with our lovely producers.” The DP also thanked his collaborators and fellow nominees, before giving a shout out to his wife and kids.

https://twitter.com/gsteenholdt/status/1508256103217389572?s=21

Fraser saw off stern competition in the cinematography category, including from fellow Aussie Ari Wegner for his work on The Power of the Dog.

While it’s Fraser’s first triumph at the Oscars, he was previously nominated for the same award for 2016’s emotional drama Lion. In 2020, Fraser also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour) for his work on the Star Wars spinoff series The Mandalorian.

Fraser’s other work includes handling the cinematography for Matt Reeves’ The Batman. A sequel has been greenly for Dune, although it’s unclear if Fraser will return.

And if you’re reading this while currently studying at RMIT University like alumn Greig Fraser did, remember it could be you one day, sipping on a well-earned VB while holding your first Oscar.

For more on this topic, follow the Film & TV Observer.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine