Colorists Shine in Spotlight as FilmLight Colour Awards Celebrate Hidden Art

In November 2025, the FilmLight Colour Awards will celebrate the art of color grading, a craft that is widely under-appreciated outside of its own industry. Colorists, also known as color graders, play a crucial role in shaping the emotional impact of films, TV shows, and music videos by manipulating hue, contrast, and saturation.

The awards, now in their fifth year, were launched in 2021 to recognize the contributions of these unsung heroes. Colorists like Adam Glasman, who has worked on hundreds of films, are nominated for their work on projects like the gothic Nosferatu. Cinematographers, such as Mandy Walker, president of the American Society of Cinematographers, emphasize the importance of the colorist-cinematographer partnership in storytelling.

Despite their significant impact, colorists often go unrecognized at major awards shows, with their work typically credited under VFX or editorial teams. The FilmLight Colour Awards aim to change that, providing a global platform to showcase the craft and raise awareness of its importance in the creative process. As the industry continues to evolve, with new challenges posed by streaming and smaller screens, colorists must adapt their skills to ensure the audience experiences the intended emotional journey.