The Canadian Society of Cinematographers has for the first time opened its annual awards to outsiders. Non-members — that is, any cinematographer residing in Canada — are now free to submit to the CSCs. This is the first time in the organization’s 50-year history that non-members have been included in all of the annual award categories.

‘We want to make sure that the works of all cinematographers in this country have the opportunity to compete,’ said the CSC’s Albert Dunk in a release. ‘We want the best competing with the best. No exceptions.’

The awards remain open to all CSC members, whether residing in Canada or elsewhere. The deadline for entries to the 13 categories — including docs, lifestyle/reality, music videos, TV and film — is Jan. 23, 2009.