Stephen Goldblatt ASC BSC was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1945 and moved with his family to London in 1952. He began his career at the age of 18 as a stills photographer, working as a photojournalist before establishing a studio in Pimlico. His early assignments included photographing the Beatles and the Who, as well as working for British Lion Films at Shepperton Studios.
His interest in filmmaking led him to study at the Royal College of Art Film School, where his contemporaries included Tony Scott. After graduating in 1970, Goldblatt worked as a cameraman on documentaries and commercials. Among his early documentary work were two films for Granada Television's Disappearing World. From 1972 to 1975 he photographed commercials throughout Britain, Europe and the United States, working with directors including Tony Scott, Hugh Hudson, Alan Parker and Brian Gibson.
Goldblatt made his feature-film debut as Director of Photography on Brian Gibson's Breaking Glass (1980). He followed this with Outland (1981), The Hunger (1983), The Cotton Club (1984) and Young Sherlock Holmes (1985), establishing a career that would move between British and American productions.
His subsequent feature credits include Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 2, The Prince of Tides, The Pelican Brief, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Closer, Charlie Wilson's War, Julie & Julia, The Help, Get On Up, The Intern and Our Souls at Night.
Goldblatt also developed a significant career in television. His collaborations with director Mike Nichols included Angels in America, Closer and Charlie Wilson's War. He received Emmy nominations for Angels in America, Conspiracy and Path to War.
He received two Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, for The Prince of Tides and Batman Forever. He was also nominated for three American Society of Cinematographers Awards and three Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2007 he received the Camerimage Lifetime Achievement Award, followed in 2023 by the American Society of Cinematographers' Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alongside cinematography, Goldblatt has maintained a lifelong interest in still photography. He has also been involved in mentoring younger filmmakers, including through the Sundance Institute.