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Image Courtesy: Variety
In a historic and long-overdue moment at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys, Canadian cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné shattered a glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to ever win Outstanding Cinematography for a Series (One Hour). Her stunning work on the first episode of Severance, 'Hello, Ms.Cobel,' which is a visual display of the psychological and emotional complexity that characterizes the highly regarded Apple TV+ series, earned her the accolade.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Crafting the Look of a Modern Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Jessica Lee Gagné's accomplishment is closely linked to the uncanny genius of 'Severance,' a psychological science fiction thriller that has received praise for its uniqueness, mood, and filmmaking. The film, written by Dan Erickson and partially directed by Ben Stiller, is about Lumon Industries workers who get surgery that causes their memories to be divided between their personal and professional life. The outcome is a chilling examination of corporate dystopia, identity, and power that is made vivid by symmetrical framing, sharp lighting, and sterile office interiors that transform the ordinary into the terrifying.
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Image Courtesy: Deadline
Gagné's Emmy-winning work on 'Hello, Ms.Cobel' is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Her use of dark lighting, subdued color schemes, and cramped framing effectively captures the characters' emotional and psychological disarray. In addition to expanding on Severance's universe, the episode emphasizes how powerful cinematography is as a storytelling device. After her win, Gagné spoke, "I did work for a man once who said there are two things women can't do: Be Formula 1 drivers or cinematographers. And that motivated me a lot." She added, "it was a dream that I've wanted for a long time," and now she hopes to continue her work in directing.
A Dual Treat: Cinematographer and Director in One Season
Gagné accomplished a double bonus by being nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for the episode 'Chikhai Bardo.' This made her the first female nominee for both directing and cinematography for the same series in the same year. Her first directing effort on 'Severance' was as visually ambitious, fusing realistic emotional beats with eerie surrealism as the program explored its most ethereal realm to yet.
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Image Courtesy: The Playlist
'Severance,' which is the year's most-nominated show overall, nabbed six wins on the first night of the Creative Arts Emmys, including guest actress in a drama series for Merritt Wever. Speaking about that recognition, Gagné said, "This show is really unique. I believe it was somewhat of an underdog when the first season debuted. Not many people paid much attention to it. And it's incredible to see how much the fan base has grown."
More than just a personal honour, Gagné's Emmy serves as a reminder to the industry that women are not only capable of taking the lead in fields like cinematography, which have historically been controlled by men, but are already producing work of the highest caliber. As 'Severance' continues to push narrative boundaries, Gagné’s visionary artistry ensures it remains a visual benchmark for years to come.
