Editor

Attending the American Society of Cinematographers 16th Annual Outstanding
Achievement Awards on February 17, 2002 at the Century Plaza Hotel I was amazed
and truly impressed with the magnitude of talent that was represented in the
audience of cinematographers, producers, directors, and actors.

The Honorees:

Stanley Donen Board of Governors Award presented by Warren Beatty

Laslo Kovacs, ASC, Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Vilmos Zsigmond,
ASC

Garret Brown, Preseident's Award presented by Sylvester Stallone

Doulglas Slocombe, BSC, International Achievement Award presented by Steven
Spielberg

"Never give up on your dreams" and "work, work, work" were said to me by Laszlo
Kovacs in a post award interview. Laszlo's unassuming attitude, humilty, and
genuine charm exuded from this powerful and substantional man, the recipient
of the American Society of Cinematographers Lifetime Achievement Award on February
17,2002.

Laszlo dreamed of Hollywood for many years as a young student at the Budapest
Academy of Drama and Film Art in Hungary. Laszlo remissed how he was in awe
of even the old, antiquainted camera that he, among the other students had to
take turns sharing. Everyday, Laszlo blessed and kissed the camera, praying
that it would be functional ...it is still his tradition today to greet and
caress his camera.

In 1956 Laszlo Kovacs escaped from Hungary along with lifelong friend Vilmos
Zsigmond , and a few other film students. He dragged with him over 30,000 feet
of film documenting the Soviet crackdown of that October. Eventually this footage
was aired on television in the United States in 1961. His camerawork was seen
by millions all over the world.

Kovacs and Zsigmond made their way to Hollywood in 1957, after more hard work,
odd jobs, financial scrimping and relentless drive and ambition.It was a struggle
for Kovacs and Zsigmond to establish themselves as cinematographers.They became
known for their low budget non union TV commercials and low budget thrillers
such as A Man Called Danger,and The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who
Stopped Living and Became Mixed UP Zombies (1963).

In the late 1960's and 1970's, after gaining etensive experience behind the
camera Lazslo Kovacs became a *biker specialist*, committed to producing good
and cheap feature films.He began to work with film critic Peter Bogdanovich
and produced his first feature Targets and over the years produced a
series of unique films: Whats Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, At Long Last Love, Nickelodeon
and Mask.

In 1969, Kovacs along side with rookie director Dennis Hopper produced ths
instant counterculture classic "Easy Rider", which made Lazslo Kovacs a Hollywood
name to contend with.

Lazslo's versatility and talent in filming New York, New York (1977)
starring Liza Minnelli and Robert De Niro was a tremendous lighting job.

Technical complexities of visual effects ladden projects were seen in Ghostbusters
(1984) and in Multiplicity (1966), which was a digital effects extravaganza!

Lazslo, in recent years, has beacome known for his expertise in romantic comedies
such as My Best Friend's Wedding, Return to Me and Miss Congeniality.
He has produced over 60 feature films.

It's been long journey for the young aspirng cameraman from Hungary. "I never
lost sight of my dream to make it as a camerman in Hollywood,"... "It took me
a little longer, but I never once lost sight of my vision , my dream to come
to Hollywood."

Lazslo Kovacs, who also chairs the ASC's Education Committee, loves the opportunity
to give back, to share his expertise, experience and above all else his love
of the camera!

Rachel Danielle Ganz