Adolpho Veloso

Biography

Adolpho Veloso is a Brazilian cinematographer recognized for his immersive, naturalistic visual style and his ability to craft emotional intimacy through lighting and composition. Currently residing in Portugal, he has become a frequent collaborator with director Clint Bentley, establishing a reputation for shooting visually striking films often set against rugged landscapes. In January 2026, Veloso made history as the first Brazilian cinematographer nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on "Train Dreams" (2025). The film, adapted from the Denis Johnson novella and starring Joel Edgerton, was praised for its unique visual language. Veloso shot the film in a distinct 3:2 aspect ratio (mimicking the dimensions of 35mm still photography) and utilized almost exclusively natural light, fire, and candles to capture the texture of the American West in the early 20th century. In addition to his Oscar nod, Veloso won the Critics Choice Award for Best Cinematography and received a nomination for the BAFTA. His work on Train Dreams has been compared to the photography of Dorothea Lange, creating a "memory-like" quality that anchors the film’s nonlinear storytelling. Prior to this breakthrough, Veloso gained international attention for the drama "Jockey" (2021), which won a Special Jury Award for Cinematography at Sundance, and the visually hallucinogenic WWI film