Paweł Pawlikowski Announces Death of Renowned Polish Cinematographer Ryszard Lenczewski

Director Paweł Pawlikowski announced the death of celebrated Polish cinematographer Ryszard Lenczewski during his acceptance speech for Best Director at the 51st Gdynia Film Festival. The news was shared moments later by the Polish Institute of Cinematography, which described him as a visionary whose sensitivity to image will remain part of cinema history.

Lenczewski (born June 5, 1948) passed away after a career spanning over seven decades at age 76. He studied and taught at the Lodz Film School, where he served as vice-dean from 2008 to 2014 before earning his professor title in film arts.

He collaborated with numerous international directors including Andrzej Żuławski (noted as Zanussi), Krzysztof Kieślowski (noted as Machulski), John Crowley, Kenneth Lonergan, and Joe Wright. His most famous work was "Ida," for which he co-nominated alongside Łukasz Żal at the 2015 Academy Awards.

Lenczewski received multiple accolades including a Golden Zebra at Camerimage and awards from the European Film Award. He served as an honorary member of several academies, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.