The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed that Justin Ivan Hong will take over the helm as Director of Photography for the prestigious Winners' Video Portraits at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards (Oscars). This distinguished assignment marks the first time a Cinematographer of Asian descent assumes the role.

The Academy's decision to enlist a talent of his caliber underscores their dedication to elevating the artistic quality behind one of the most intimate instances of the Oscars ceremony.

"We have been profoundly impressed by Justin's body of work and his distinctive visual signature," stated Producer Ryan Velasquez. "He brings a fresh, innovative and original approach to cinematography, and we are confident that he will bring an entirely new perspective to the long and cherished tradition of our winners' portraits,."

Hong grew up in the Southeast Asian Island-Nation of Singapore and cultivated a decade long cinematography career there before being invited to be a fellow at the world renowned American Film Institute. (AFI) in Los Angeles. He is a contemporary and film school classmate of Cannes Film Festival Camera d'Or winner Anthony Chen.

The winners' portraits represent a cherished custom at the Academy Awards, providing a unique glimpse into the immediate aftermath of an Oscar victory. They encapsulate the elation, relief, and profound significance of the accomplishment. The 96th Academy Awards are poised to generate a collection of portraits that are not only visually magnificent but also deeply reflective of the human spirit at the zenith of artistic recognition, with Hong positioned behind the camera for the first time in this capacity.

"I'm truly excited and humbled to selected to take on this role," expressed Hong. "Winning an Oscar is the biggest honor for my peers and fellow filmmakers and I intend to immortalize their joy in moving images that will last forever."

Hong has an extensive body of work which includes the award winning "Claire's Day Out" and the horror comedy "Black Friday".

The 96th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.