Adolpho Veloso (born 31 May 1989) is a Brazilian cinematographer.
He gained international attention for his work on Train Dreams (2025), becoming the first Brazilian to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Early life and education Veloso was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and developed an interest in filmmaking from a young age. He studied film at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado.
According to Piauí, he was raised by his mother (a lawyer from Minas Gerais), has an older sister, and lost his father when he was three months old; he has also said he received support from relatives in Araguari, Minas Gerais.
Career Before focusing primarily on film work, Veloso worked extensively in advertising, music videos, short films and documentary films, which he described as an accelerated environment for technical training and experimentation. He has said he aimed to establish himself professionally in Brazil before pursuing wider international opportunities.
Since 2019 he has lived in Lisbon, Portugal.
Style His work has been described as minimalist and observational, reflecting influences from cinematographers like Gordon Willis, César Charlone and Néstor Almendros.
According to Piauí, Veloso often emphasizes natural and diegetic lighting (light sources motivated within the scene, such as lamps or fire).
Filmography Feature film Year Title Director Ref. 2015 Asco Ale Paschoalini 2018 Heitor Dhalia 2020 João Nuno Pinto 2021 Jockey Clint Bentley Felipe Gómez Aparicio Rodantes Leandro Lara 2025 Train Dreams Clint Bentley 2026 Queen at Sea Lance Hammer Remain M. Night Shyamalan
Documentary film Year Title Director Ref. 2017 On Yoga: The Architecture of Peace Heitor Dhalia
Television Year Title Director Notes 2022 Becoming Elizabeth Justin Chadwick 3 episodes
Music video Year Title Artist(s) Album Ref. 2022 "Ameianoite" Pabllo Vittar and Gloria Groove Noitada 2025 "Diamantes, Lágrimas e Rostos para Esquecer" BK' —
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Title Result 2022 American Society of Cinematographers Spotlight Award Jockey 2026 Academy Awards Best Cinematography Train Dreams BAFTA Awards Best Cinematography Critics Choice Awards Best Cinematography American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography Film Independent Spirit Awards Best Cinematography Satellite Awards Best Cinematography
See also List of Brazilian Academy Award winners and nominees
References
External links