Martin Ruhe is an acclaimed cinematographer renowned for his stunning visual storytelling and deep, atmospheric lighting. His seamless ability to blend naturalistic tones with rich, cinematic textures elevates every project he touches.
A defining pillar of Ruhe’s career is his extensive collaboration with director George Clooney. After first meeting on the set of THE AMERICAN (which Clooney starred in), since 2018 Ruhe became Clooney’s go-to director of photography. Together, they have crafted some of the most visually distinct projects of the past decade.
Ruhe beautifully lensed the miniseries CATCH-22 (which got him his second ASC Award nomination), the vast, freezing landscapes of the sci-fi epic THE MIDNIGHT SKY, and the warm, nostalgic Kodachrome tones of The Tender Bar. His dynamic framing brought the high-stakes historical racing sequences in THE BOYS IN THE BOAT to life.
He recently finished season 2 of THE AGENCY, a high profile tv show starring Michael Fassbender, Jodie Turner-Smith, Richard Gere as the lead dop. And he also shot the new LUTHER movie for Netflix which will premiere in early 2027.
Ruhe is celebrated for his sophisticated use of shadows and color palettes, creating a moody, immersive visual language that perfectly complements complex narratives. Beyond his extensive work with Clooney, he is the visual genius behind director Anton Corbijn’s most acclaimed films, including the beautifully stark Joy Division biopic CONTROL and the tense thriller THE AMERICAN.
He also effortlessly scales his cinematic grandeur for small-screen storytelling. His recent premium world-building on highly acclaimed series like THE AGENCY, CATCH 22 and COUNTERPART showcases a rare talent for maintaining a feature-film aesthetic across episodic television.
From sweeping Arctic expanses to intimate, character-driven close-ups, Ruhe consistently proves his ability to adapt his lens to wildly different genres while maintaining a flawless aesthetic. His dedication to the craft not only captures the physical environment of a story but also beautifully conveys the unspoken emotions of the characters on screen. Ruhe paints its emotional heartbeat of the story.
Interviews and media
Awards
Best cinematography, best editing, best production
DEPECHE MODE - PEOPLE ARE GOOD
Creative Circle Cinematography Silver and Idea Bronze
UKMVA for Best Alternative Video
Creative Review Best Music Video
1.4 Award, Music Video Flying High - Gold
Brazil Music Video Awards Best International Video, Best Direction
Clio Award in Silver for Cinematography for Gilette
Clio Award in Bronze for Cinematography for Audi TDI
Golden Lion at Cannes International Advertising Festival for COI Debris
APA Top 50 for COI Accident, highest award from the British Advertising Producers Association
British Television Advertising Craft Award Finalist for COI Accident
London International Advertising Awards, Silver for cinematography for New Yorker CLOSET
New York Film Festival, Silver for IKEA
Cresta Gold for IKEA
Cannes Film Festival: Prix Regards Jeune for CONTROL
Cannes Film Festival: Label Europa Cinemas Award for CONTROL
Chicago International Film Festival: Silver Hugo for CONTROL
5 British Independent Film Awards and was nominated 5 more times including best cinematography for CONTROL
Golden Frog nomination at the Camerimage Lodz for CONTROL
Edinburgh International film Festival for CONTROL
Belgrad Film Festival best cinematography for CONTROL
4 Empire Awards including Best New British Feature for CONTROL
Evening Standard British Film Awards: Best Film for CONTROL
London Critics Circle Awards: British Film of the Year for Control
Stockholm Film Festivl: Honorable Mention Award for Control
Melbourne Intrenational Film Festival: Most Popular Feature Award for Control
Martin is amongst Variety's 10 Cinematographers to watch
Bronze Clio for VW GTI
ADC Gold for VW GTI, best cinema commercial
ADC Silver for VW GTI, best TV commercial
ADC Europe in Gold for VW GTI
Ottocar in Silver for VW GTI
APA Top 50 Award, UK, for T MOBILE
ADC Silver for MEDIA MARKT, best cinema campaign
ADC Silver for MEDIA MARKT, best TV campaign
ADC Bronce for BMW Runner, best cinema commercial
Golden Rose of Montreux for Mc Donald’s Hello
TCM Classic Shorts 1.price award for JANE LLOYD at the London International Film Festival
APA Top 50 Award, UK, for IKEA – Clutter