Bradford Young

Bradford Young is an Oscar-nominated cinematographer known for his distinctive visual style and commitment to storytelling that reflects diverse cultural narratives. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Young developed a passion for filmmaking at an early age and went on to study at Howard University, where he was mentored by Haile Gerima, a pioneering filmmaker whose influence shaped Young’s approach to cinematic expression.

Young served as director of photography on a variety of films including "White Lies, Black Sheep," "Restless City," "Middle of Nowhere," "Ain't Them Bodies Saints" and "Mother of George." His breakthrough as a cinematographer came with his work on films like "Pariah" and "Middle of Nowhere," both directed by Ava DuVernay. His mastery of natural light, intimate framing, and atmospheric tones became hallmarks of his style, creating emotionally resonant and visually stunning films that centered on African American experiences. His work on "A Most Violent Year" earned him critical acclaim, showcasing his ability to blend artful cinematography with complex narratives. He won the BET Award for Best Movie for his cinematographic work on the movie "Selma."

In 2016, Young gained wider recognition for his work on "Arrival," a sci-fi film directed by Denis Villeneuve. His innovative use of light and shadow, along with a focus on creating immersive, contemplative visuals, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography, making him the first Black cinematographer to receive such an honor.

Young continued his ascent with "Solo: A Star Wars Story," becoming the first African American cinematographer to work on a film in the iconic Star Wars franchise. In 2019, he was the cinematographer for the much-lauded Netflix series "When They See Us," which was also directed by DuVernay.

In addition to film work, Young has collaborated with visual artist Leslie Hewitt on a dual-channel video installation work. As well, he has provided cinematography for music videos for artists such as MGMT, Nora Jones and Beck.

Young studied film at Howard University.