Robert Richardson receives the Crystal Globe and presents a documentary portrait of his life and work

The Grand Hall was treated to a surprise at the start of the ceremony. Joining KVIFF Artistic Director Karel Och and Executive Director Kryštof Mucha on stage was Harvey Keitel, who presented the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema to acclaimed cinematographer Robert Richardson.

“I’m overwhelmed. I had a speech prepared on paper, but after what we’ve just seen – Bob’s work speaks for itself. We are in the presence of one of the greatest cinematographers of our time,” Keitel said, paying homage to the honouree following a tribute montage featuring highlights from Richardson’s extraordinary body of work alongside testimonials from longtime collaborators, who reflected on both his singular artistic vision and enigmatic personality. “The White Devil himself,” Keitel invited the cinematographer onto the stage with a playful reference to the cinematographer’s instantly recognizable long white hair and beard.

Richardson returned the compliment to Keitel: “This is something very special. Harvey Keitel is, in my opinion, one of the greatest actors in history. Let me tell you a short story. Years ago, everyone kept telling me I had to see this film with Robert De Niro, Mean Streets. I watched it and thought the performance was extraordinary. Some time later, I discovered that the actor I had assumed was De Niro was actually Harvey Keitel. No disrespect to Bob – we’re friends, and he’s wonderful – but Harvey Keitel was simply exceptional.”

“When I look around the streets of Karlovy Vary and this auditorium, I see so many young people. This award represents the future we hope for and need. This festival celebrates films as works of art that we don’t often have the chance to see elsewhere. I hope these films will continue to travel beyond borders so that everyone can experience them,” Richardson said after accepting the Crystal Globe.

Still speaking in the quiet, almost whispering voice that has become part of his enigmatic persona, Richardson then invited the creative team behind the documentary Robert Richardson: The White Devil, led by director Jana Hojdová, to join him on stage. “Jana spent ten years making this documentary – she built it from virtually nothing. Even though Bob has worked with almost every great director, the highest praise I’ve ever heard him give was reserved for her,” said one of the film’s producers, Matěj Chlupáček.

“It’s hard to believe we’re standing here today. I've been coming to the Karlovy Vary festival since I was fifteen. My greatest thanks go to my parents – without them, I wouldn’t be here. I’d also like to thank the entire crew and our producers for believing in me, even when the road was difficult. And above all, thank you, Robert.” said an emotional Jana Hojdová, the film’s director and one of the Czech Republic’s foremost cinematographers.

She then presented Richardson with a symbolic bracelet. The cinematographer has a personal tradition of putting on a new bracelet at the start of every film shoot – but he had never acquired one for the making of this documentary.