The Mexican’s triumph at Sunday’s (February 15) 29th Annual American Society Of Cinematographers awards for Birdman cements his status as favourite for the Oscar this weekend.

Lubezki’s victory in the feature film category marked the first time in ASC history a cinematographer has won back-to-back years after his 2014 success with Gravity.

The Mexican won the ASC in 2012 for The Tree Of Life and in 2007 for Children Of Men.

Jonathan Freeman prevailed in the episodic television category for Boardwalk Empire and John Lindley took honours in the TV Movie/Miniseries/Pilot category for Manhattan.

Finland’s Peter Flinckenberg earned the ASC Spotlight Award for Concrete Night.

The ASC Bud Stone Award Of Distinction went to Otto Nemenz, founder and CEO of the rental facility Otto Nemenz Intl, and Denny Clairmont, president and co-founder of Clairmont Camera.

The award is presented to an associate ASC Member who has “demonstrated extraordinary service to the society and/or has made a significant contribution to the motion picture industry.”