Cape Elizabeth Native Gets First Oscar Nomination for Work on ‘Mank’

Erik Messerschmidt from Cape Elizabeth got his very first Oscar nomination this week in the cinematography category for the critcally acclaimed 'Mank.'

According to the Portland Press Herald, 'Mink', which walked away with the most Oscar nominations with 10, includes a Mainer. It's up for some big Oscars including best picture, best director, best actor, best supporting actress and best cinemtography!

'Mank' is short for Mankiewicz (you see why they shortened it) and Herman J. Mankiewicz, Mank, wrote the screenplay for the classic movie 'Citizen Kane'. Maine's Erik was the director of photography and the entire film is shot in black and white. Maybe you've seen it on Netflix.

Erik sent the Portland Press Herald a Facebook message saying he was humbled and honored for the nomination and grateful that he got ot work on the film directed by David Fincher.

Erik grew up in Cape Elizabeth and worked on lighting and set design crews for theater productions while at Cape Elizabeth High School. Last year he was nominated for an Emmy for the Netflix series 'Mindhunter.'  (Very good..didn't enjoy the ending).

The Oscars air April 25th on ABC