Born in Krakau (Kraków), Poland, Austria-Hungary [now Kraków, Poland]. A graduate of the University of Budapest, he entered Hungarian films in 1919 as an assistant cameraman for Alexander Korda. Later worked in Vienna and Berlin, where he apprenticed with Karl Freund and executed second unit cinematography for Erich Pommer. He shot some of the footage of Carl Dreyer's MIKAEL (1924), then went to France as the cameraman on Dreyer's THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (1928) / LA PASSION DE JEANNE D'ARC and VAMPYR (1932). Both films were noted for their creative cinematography and inventive effects. In France he also worked for Fritz Lang and Rene Clair and in 1935 he moved on to Hollywood, where he continued his work as a cinematographer for a dozen years. In 1947 he turned to directing. His work as a director was less distinguished than his achievements as a cinematographer, but his films were usually entertaining, technically effective, and visually appealing. He also directed many episodes for TV's "Loretta Young Show." He died of a heart attack. Visit the Internet Movie Database for a full listing of Maté's cinematography and directing credits.  Nominated for Cinematography (Black & White) 1940: FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT  Nominated for Cinematography (Black & White) 1941: THAT HAMILTON WOMAN  Nominated for Cinematography (Black & White) 1942: THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES  Nominated for Cinematography (Black & White) 1943: SAHARA  Nominated for Cinematography (Color) 1944: COVER GIRL (w. Allen M. Davey) 5 nominations