( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) Severance Cinematographer Turned Director Becomes First Woman to Win Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography in a One-Hour Series
ENSPIRE Contributor: Kirah Smith
Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
Jessica Lee Gagné has always believed in the power of images to tell deeper truths. Raised in Quebec City, her early love of cinema was sparked by her father’s video store and her mother’s passion for European film. That childhood exposure to storytelling blossomed into a career defined by bold visuals, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
After gaining recognition on the festival circuit with Sarah Prefers to Run at Cannes in 2013, Gagné steadily built a reputation in independent film before stepping into television with Apple TV+’s Severance. The critically acclaimed series, praised for its unsettling beauty and striking visual identity, showcased her artistry on an international stage. In 2025, Gagné made history as the first woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Series (One Hour). Reflecting on the moment, she said, “Winning was surreal, but the bigger picture is that women everywhere can see it’s possible to thrive in spaces we’ve been told weren’t ours.”
Photo by Phillip Faraone (Getty Images)
Her journey didn’t stop with cinematography. In Severance Season 2, Gagné made her directorial debut with the episode “Chikhai Bardo,” which she also shot and later produced. The emotionally charged and visually daring episode quickly became a fan favorite. “Directing was terrifying, but I reminded myself that fear means you care,” she explained. “Sometimes you have to leap into the unknown and trust your vision.”
Gagné’s achievement is more than a personal milestone; it is a cultural shift, a reminder of the importance of representation, and a spark of inspiration for future generations of women in film. Through her groundbreaking work, Jessica Lee Gagné continues to light the way for storytellers ready to break their own barriers.
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