Australian Cinematographers Society
The Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1958 for the purpose of providing a forum for Australian cinematographers to further develop their skills through mutual co-operation. Location. Its National Headquarters and clubhouse is located in North Sydney. Mission. The ACS states the following aims: People. Its first President was Syd Wood ACS. Its current President is Ron Johanson OAM ACS. The ACS presents annual awards for achievements in cinematography, including the Golden Tripod (the ACS's highest award for excellence), and the Milli Award to its Cinematographer of the Year . Members of the Society who are "accredited" are allowed to use the ACS suffix after their name. Accreditation is considered one of the highest honours bestowed upon a member and accreditation demonstrates more than just professional competence, but also creativity, consistency and aesthetic innovation. Awards. The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) awarded the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) as the recipient of the 2014 Byron Kennedy Award at the 3rd annual AACTA Awards. The award celebrates outstanding creative enterprise within the film and television industries and is given to an individual or organisation whose work embodies innovation and  the relentless pursuit of excellence. The award jury said of their decision: ""We have chosen the Australian Cinematographers Society under the stewardship of Ron Johanson ACS for its enduring and pivotal role in the pursuit of excellence throughout Australian cinema"". The award was presented to Ron Johanson ACS on behalf of the Society at the AACTA Awards Ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, 30 January 2014. The Milli Award is the highest award an Australian Cinematographer can receive from the Society. It is presented at the ACS National Awards for Cinematography to the Australian Cinematographer of the Year. All ACS National  Gold Tripod winners progress through to be in the running for the Milli Award. Legacy. Five members of the society have been awarded with the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.