John Bailey, Acclaimed Cinematographer and Oscar President, Passes Away at 81
John Bailey, a renowned cinematographer, director, and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), has passed away at the age of 81 in Los Angeles. His wife, film editor Carol Littleton, announced the news through a statement to media outlets. Known for his collaborations with Hollywood stars like Richard Gere and Robert Redford, Bailey made significant strides in the film industry both in front and behind the camera.
According to the statement, Littleton expressed her sentiment, "During John’s illness, we reminisced about our 60 years together and our shared, adventurous life in the film industry. John will live in my heart forever." Regrettably, she did not disclose any details regarding the cause of his death or the illness he had been battling.
The Academy leadership, comprising CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, shared their condolences, "We were deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. As our President and Academy Governor, he played a pivotal role in the Cinematographers Branch and will be sorely missed."
Career Highlights and Achievements
With a filmography spanning almost five decades, Bailey's career showcased numerous acclaimed projects. After earning his degree from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Bailey began his illustrious career in the late '60s, beginning as an assistant cinematographer. He would go on to work on over 80 films, including the modern classic "Groundhog Day," directed by Harold Ramis and starring Richard Gere, as well as the critically-acclaimed "It's a Wonderful Life," directed by Frank Capra.
In 1980, Bailey took on his first head cinematographer role on films like "A Man for a Few Hours" with Richard Gere and Robert Redford's Oscar-winning directorial debut, "An Ordinary Family." Bailey was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society of Cinematographers in 2015, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the art of filmmaking.
Throughout his career, Bailey not only mastered his craft as a cinematographer but also ventured into directing. Between 1991 and 2001, he helmed five films, with the most notable being the thriller "China Moon," starring Ed Harris.
AMPAS, Advocacy, and Diversity
Bailey's influence extended beyond the realm of cinematography, as he also garnered recognition for his dedication to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which awards the Oscars. During his tenure as president of AMPAS from 2017 to 2019, Bailey advocated for diversity in the film industry and made significant efforts to improve representation in both on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles.
Although specific initiatives during Bailey's presidency were not detailed in available sources, his tenure coincided with the impact of the #OscarsSoWhite movement, which resulted in notable changes within the film community. Some of these initiatives included the Academy's membership reforms that aimed to diversify its voting body, as well as the introduction of diversity standards for Best Picture eligibility. These standards encouraged inclusivity in both casting and crew, leading to frequent showcases of triumphs for diversity in films like "Black Panther" and "Parasite."
In the face of tragic losses, the film industry, and John Bailey's colleagues, friends, and family, celebrate his extraordinary career and influential legacy as a masterful cinematographer and advocator for diversity within the industry.
