The Australian Cinematographers Society mourns the loss of John McLean ACS, who passed away on 9th January 2025 at the age of 85 after a valiant battle with illness.
A Hall of Fame inductee (2001), John began his career at Kinelab in 1954, working his way up from the lab to become a renowned cinematographer. His impressive career included 14 feature films, notably director Peter Weir’s breakthrough film The Cars That Ate Paris.
He was awarded three Golden Tripods, one for Demonstrator at the inaugural award in 1971, a second for the US TV feature The Hands of Cormac Joyce, which also won him the Milli award and the title of Cinematographer of the Year in 1973. The third Golden Tripod was for The Last I Heard, a documentary for the NT tourist commission.
John’s dedication to his craft and willingness to mentor others will be deeply missed. As John said, “You don’t achieve it on your own!” He will be remembered for his exceptional cinematography, kind spirit, and the lasting friendships he forged throughout his wonderful life in the film industry.