Oscar-nominated cinematographer Dick Pope dead at 77
British cinematographer, Dick Pope, has died at age 77. The celebrated creative was known for his work with director Mike Leigh and was twice nominated at the Academy Awards. No cause of death has been provided.
Pope was born in Kent and quickly developed an interest in filmmaking from an early age. As an adult, he joined the British Society of Cinematographers as he made his name across a decade-spanning career that began in the 1980s.
The cinematographer worked closely with Mike Leigh, a British director. Together, they made 11 films, beginning with the comedy-drama Life Is Sweet. They also collaborated on films like Another Year, Career Girls, Vera Drake, All Or Nothing and the 2024 movie Hard Truths.
Of his collaborations with Leigh, Pope said in a 2019 interview, “I’ve always described it as a bit of a magical mystery tour, because you don’t really know what you’re getting into.”
In response, the director said of his trusted collaborator, “The thing about working with the same cinematographer over a long stretch … A violinist who owns a Stradivarius is not going to arbitrarily use another fiddle. That is the tool and you can play anything with it. So that’s how I feel.”
In 2006, Pope was nominated for an Academy Award for The Illusionist as Best Cinematography. He lost out to Pan’s Labyrinth that year. But in 2014, his work on Mr Turner gained him plenty of nominations across the awards circuit, including the BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards and another Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
The British Society of Cinematographers confirmed Pope’s death in a statement that read, “It is with deepest sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend and colleague Dick Pope BSC.”
It continued, “Dick had a reputation for being a wonderful collaborator and someone who was passionate about the art form of cinematography. He was keen to embrace new technologies and ideas while also ensuring the skills and crafts of those that came before him weren’t lost.”
As a respected name in the British film world, tributes have also come in for the cinematographer from the stars. Tom Hardy, who worked with Pope on the film Legend, about the infamous Kray Twins, wrote on Instagram, “Dick Pope British Cinematographer lovely friend and all round legend.”
In a recent 2024 interview about their latest collaboration, Hard Truths, Leigh confirmed that the cinematographer had been unwell and had undergone “major heart surgery” before production of the film.
Dick Pope is survived by his wife Pat and is remembered for his incredible work and legacy in the British film world.
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