‘A Star Is Born’ Cinematographer Matthew Libatique Arrested After Altercation With Police During Film Festival

Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique isn’t having a great time in Poland. Attending the EnergaCamerimage Film Festival in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Libatique was recently arrested after an alleged attack on a first responder.

According to reports, the cinematographer was staggering around a hotel in Bydgoszcz, when paramedics were called to the scene. After being approached by the medical first responders, Libatique allegedly became violent and struck a paramedic. Police were then sent to the hotel, where the cinematographer then apparently got into another physical altercation with the officers.

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Libatique is perhaps best known for his Oscar-nominated work on Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan.” However, the acclaimed cinematographer has shot numerous major films including “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Fountain,” “Iron Man,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Venom,” and “A Star is Born.” The latter of which is getting incredible amounts of Oscar buzz this year.

Emergency official Krzysztof Wiśniewski told Polish broadcaster TVN24 (via AP), “The patient suddenly became aggressive towards medical rescuers, used offensive words and hit the head of the emergency medical team.”

“Mr. Libatique was involved in an alleged incident that led to his detention and is being held on a potential charge of assaulting a police officer and a paramedic here in Bydgoszcz. This is now a legal matter that the EnergaCamerimage Festival is not in a position to discuss. We can make no further comments at this time,” said festival office manager Kazik Suwala in a statement (via The Wrap).

Reports say that the paramedic suffered injuries, including a broken tooth, and Libatique was taken to a hospital with facial injuries. He was charged with assaulting police officials, with the offense being punishable by up to three years in prison.