Oscar Nominee Celebrates Culture Like World Cup

Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso is drawing parallels between Brazil's passion for football and the growing enthusiasm for cinema and culture, particularly around Oscar nominations. Having received an Oscar nomination for his work on 'Train Dreams,' Veloso views this as a significant moment where Brazilians are celebrating arts and film with a fervor previously reserved for the World Cup.

Veloso's recent recognition extends beyond the Academy Awards. He was honored by his hometown football club, the Corinthians, in São Paulo, receiving a jersey with his name and the number seven, a nod to his football hero Marcelinho Carioca. This moment, along with Brazil's increasing Oscar successes, highlights a perceived 'late recognition' of Brazilian talent on the global stage.

He reflects on the increasing visibility of cinematography as an art form. Veloso emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking, advocating for greater recognition of all departments involved. His creative process for 'Train Dreams' involved extensive location scouting to capture authentic, ancient-looking forests, often requiring creative solutions like using fake trees and carefully chosen camera angles to depict logging without harming the environment.

Looking ahead, Veloso is cautious about selecting future projects, prioritizing scripts that resonate with him personally. He hopes for continued collaboration with director Clint Bentley and seeks projects that allow for deep emotional connection, enabling him to translate feelings into visual storytelling. His passion for filmmaking stems from a deep love for the craft and a desire to be part of something meaningful and collaborative.