A neutron star is one that glows more brightly after it “death,” similarly these filmmakers and actors do. It’s a counterpart to the Lifetime Achievement Award which is intended for filmmakers and actors who are very much alive and kicking.

Jean Painlevé

Jean Painlevé was a pioneer of science documentary and I saw many of his films this past year at last. In most cases they stand up and there’s a hypnotic quality to many of them that people seek to emulate to this very day. His works are known to most now after having been distributed by The Criterion Collection. I’ve seen most of his oeuvre over the course of the last year streaming them on The Criterion Channel. They have also a new feature-length compilation that was just created that includes new music. It’s a testament to the staying power of his work.