John Bailey, former Academy President and ‘Groundhog Day’ cinematographer, dead at 81

Former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences died on Friday in Los Angeles

Los Angeles on Friday announced the passing of John Bailey, a seasoned Hollywood cinematographer who presided over the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2017 to 2019. 81 years old.

Bailey’s spouse, Carol Littleton, disclosed his passing in a statement issued by the Academy on Friday night.

Littleton stated, “It is with deep sadness that I share with you the peaceful passing away in his sleep early this morning of my best friend and husband, John Bailey.” “We talked about how we met and were married for 51 years of our 60 years together during John’s illness. We created many enduring connections along the road and enjoyed a fantastic life of adventure together in the film industry. I shall always carry John in my heart.

John Bailey’s passing is deeply mourned by the Academy, as expressed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement. They highlighted Bailey’s strong engagement with the Academy and the film community, noting his roles as Academy president, a longtime Academy governor, and his leadership within the cinematographers branch. They emphasized that John Bailey made lasting contributions to the film industry, and their thoughts and support are extended to his wife, Carol, during this difficult time.

Throughout his career as a cinematographer, Bailey worked alongside renowned directors such as Robert Redford, James L. Brooks, Wolfgang Petersen, and Harold Ramis. His work on Paul Schrader’s “Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters” earned him recognition for the best artistic contribution at the Cannes Film Festival in 1985. Additionally, he collaborated with Schrader on films like “American Gigolo” and “Cat People.”

In 2015, the American Society of Cinematographers presented him with a lifetime achievement award. In addition, Bailey worked on the motion pictures “As Good as it Gets,” “In the Line of Fire,” and “Racing With the Moon.”

“The Big Chill,” “Silverado,” and “The Accidental Tourist” are among the other noteworthy credits.

Bailey, who was born on August 10, 1942, started out in the entertainment industry in 1971 as a cameraman’s assistant on Monte Hellman’s “Two Lane Blacktop.” In 1972, he received his first credit as a cinematographer on Alan Rudolph’s “Premonition.”

Bailey served on the Academy Board of Governors from 1996 until 2002 after being first elected in 1996 and then again in 1999. He would reappear to the board in 2010, 2013, and again in 2016.

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John Bailey’s presidency at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) began in 2017, following a surprising victory over early frontrunners Laura Dern and future Academy president David Rubin. During his first term, Bailey navigated the organization through the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, which resulted in the expulsion of prominent figures like Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and Roman Polanski.

In 2018, Bailey successfully secured re-election as president, a term marked by the controversial introduction and subsequent removal of the best popular film category. Reflecting on his role as president, Bailey expressed his deep love for the Academy, having been a member since 1981, and his increasing engagement with the Academy’s programs and initiatives over the years.

John Bailey is survived by his wife, Oscar-nominated editor and former Academy governor Carol Littleton.