Leonard Smith

Smith's start as a cinematographer came on the now lost 1915 silent film The Battle Cry of Peace. Throughout his career he also occasionally worked in the camera and electrical department.

Smith's first Academy Award for Best Cinematography (color) nomination came in 1942, for his work on Billy the Kid, sharing the nomination with William V. Skall. In 1944 he was nominated for Lassie Come Home. Smith was again nominated in 1946 for National Velvet, and in 1947, shortly before his death, he received his sole win, for The Yearling. He shared the award with Arthur Arling and Charles Rosher. All of Smith's nominations and wins were in the Color category.

Smith served as president of the American Society of Cinematographers from 1941 until his death on October 20, 1947, at the age of 53.