Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique, pictured above with Bradley Cooper on the set of A Star is Born, was arrested and charged with assault at Poland’s Camerimage international film festival, which specifically honors cinematography.
Libatique, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on the 2010 movie Black Swan, was an honorary guest at the festival. He was seen staggering, which prompted a call for medical assistance. When paramedics arrived, he allegedly struck out at both the medics and police. One paramedic suffered a broken tooth and other injuries during the altercation.
Krzysztof Wisniewski, an ambulance service official, told Polish TVN24 broadcaster: “The patient suddenly became aggressive toward medical rescuers, used offensive words and hit the head of the emergency medical team.”
Libatique, who appeared to be intoxicated, had facial injuries and was taken to hospital. He’s scheduled to appear in court on Thursday and faces a sentence of up to three years behind bars. ~Alexandra Heilbron