Smith's first Academy Award for Best Cinematography (color) nomination came in 1942, for his work on Billy the Kid, sharing the nomination with William V. Skall. In 1944, he was nominated for Lassie Come Home.[2] Smith was again nominated in 1946 for National Velvet, and in 1947, shortly before his death, he received his sole win, for The Yearling. He shared the award with Arthur Arling and Charles Rosher.[1] All of Smith's nominations and wins were in the Color category.