I'd go into detail about it if I wasn't on mobile, but in Rev he pulls off camera moves that have literally never been done before in natural locations. Not just a work of technical genius, but creative genius (breath on the lens, integration of cgi, etc). Maybe the average viewer doesn't notice it all but I'm a dp and it's easily the best looking film I've ever seen.
I'll defer to you on those movements, but I would still argue that the hallmark of great cinematography goes beyond the technical challenge and execution. Otherwise the in-car shot in Children of Men, which was also technically difficult, would have warranted a win.
Compared to Birdman, Ida was a very "simply" shot film from a difficulty perspective, but the framing, use of light and shadow, and artistry within every shot was beautiful and frame-worthy time and time again. It was easily a more visually impactful and mesmerizing film to me.
So, I'll concede that The Revenant was maybe revolutionary in the context you describe (again, I'm not a DP), but while I appreciate the creativity involved (for many of the same reasons you list), it just didn't have the same affect on me.
Bladerunner still remains the best looking film I've ever seen, personally. But maybe that suits my aesthetic more.