Each year, five artists are nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Just what do these people do? In simplest terms, the cinematographer is responsible for the "look" of a film. Here's how the craft is described by Conrad L. Hall (previous Oscar winner, and current nominee): "A cinematographer is like a writer with a blank, white paper in front of him. Cinematographers have a blank screen that has to be filled with the story. You have to create visualizations that suit the theme and utilize all of the techniques at your fingertips to enhance the right mood. In telling a story, you should try to be exact in a spectacular way, and that requires courage and a good sense of your craft." Each of this year's Oscar nominees has his own unique view on cinematography. Here are their thoughts on the craft, and on the films for which they are nominated.

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