Philippe Rousselot receives first Cannes cinematography award

CANNES, France, May 26 (UPI) -- Philippe Rousselot said receiving the first-ever Cannes Film Festival award for cinematography is an honor for all cinematographers.

Rousselot -- known for his work on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Sherlock Holmes" and "Lions for Lambs" -- was the first recipient of the Pierre Angenieux Award for cinematography at the French film festival, The Hollywood Reporter said Saturday.

"It's not just me being honored, but all cinematographers," Rousselot said. "I'll take it for everyone."

He was presented the award by actress Uma Thurman, with whom he worked on "Dangerous Liaisons" and "Henry & June," and actress Kristen Scott Thomas, with whom he worked on "Random Hearts."

"When I heard about this I thought it was very, very important and wanted to come," Scott Thomas said. "You forget some cinematographers but some bring something intangible that opens you up and gives you confidence, a feeling that you're being helped as an actor, a feeling like they're on your side. A really great [director of photography] is vital, and he's of those.

"A cinematographer can be your greatest ally or your greatest enemy," she added.

The award was named for the founder of the famed lens company Thales Angenieux, The Hollywood Reporter said.