Christopher Nolan Pays Tribute to Imax's David Keighley

Variety

by jazztangcay

March 3, 2026

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Christopher Nolan honored David Keighley, a trailblazer in large-format cinema and Imax’s first chief quality officer, at the 8th annual Kodak Film Awards. Nolan, who called Keighley his mentor and friend for over two decades, praised his expertise, collaborative spirit, and unwavering support for shooting Hollywood films on Imax film—a vision that Keighley helped bring to life. Keighley’s contributions included overseeing post-production on more than 500 Imax films before his passing last year after a battle with cancer. Nolan also revealed that Keighley’s final project was supervising the upcoming version of *The Odyssey*. Keighley played a pivotal role in rallying filmmakers to advocate for shooting on film, countering studio executives who had dismissed the format as outdated. His efforts led to the successful revival of film as a vital tool in modern cinema. At the awards, Nolan highlighted how Keighley’s influence extended beyond his technical expertise, emphasizing that Keighley was the first to recognize and support Nolan’s ambitious vision for *The Dark Knight* series on Imax film. In addition to honoring Keighley posthumously with the inaugural Keighley award, Patricia Keighley accepted the recognition on behalf of her late husband. The event also celebrated other notable figures in cinema who champion film photography. Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer behind *Sinners* and *The Last Showgirl*, received the Lumière Award for her contributions to the art form. She praised her team as “unsung heroes” and lauded director Ryan Coogler’s ability to inspire collaboration and focus on authenticity. Joachim Trier, known for his rigorous and original approach to filmmaking, was presented with the Auteur Award for his critically acclaimed work. Trier, who shot five of his six features on film, shared how the medium fosters a unique connection between actors, directors, and crews. He emphasized that shooting on film creates a distinct focus and richness in performances, making it irreplaceable in his creative process. The evening also recognized Kristen Stewart for her directorial debut *Spencer*, which was shot on film, earning her the Debut Feature Award. Salomon Ligthelm received the Music & Commercial Film Director Award, while *Fallout* was named Television Series of the Year for its commitment to filming on celluloid. This event underscores the enduring significance of traditional filmmaking techniques in an era dominated by digital technology. Nolan and other filmmakers’ advocacy for shooting on film not only honors cinematic history but also highlights how these methods continue to inspire innovation and creativity in

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Originally published on Variety on 3/3/2026