Charles Rosher

Charles G. Rosher was a pioneering cinematographer who earned two Academy Awards and holds the distinction of being the first cinematographer to receive an Academy Award. Beginning his career as a newsreel cameraman, he relocated to the United States in 1909 and became instrumental in establishing Hollywood's first permanent film studio. In 1918, he was one of the founders of the American Society of Cinematographers and served as its first Vice-President. Throughout the 1920s, Rosher became one of Hollywood's most sought-after cinematographers, working extensively with renowned stars such as Mary Pickford. His collaboration with Karl Struss on F.W. Murnau's Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans is regarded as a milestone in cinematography. Later in his career, Rosher spent twelve years exclusively at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, photographing numerous acclaimed films. He was the father of actress Joan Marsh and cinematographer Charles Rosher, Jr.