Say that title three times fast, huh? Anyway… we are back again with the Oscar winners edition and this one is a hard theme for me. I will try giving my best at finding the ones that stand out the most for me. I’ll focus on the costume design category as I’ve focused on a single category throughout these editions. Again it’s sort of a theme within a theme as well because that’s what I do!
3. COLLEEN ATWOOD for ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)
First of all it’s not my favourite movie out there. I don’t necessarily even like it but I do remember its costumes. They have a memorable uniqueness to them that is recognisable. It also fits my theme within a theme here because all three of my picks have that element of fantasy to them. They are set in a real world but have a fantasy or dystopian feel to them. This makes the costumes stand out because there’s more creative freedom. Atwood’s freedom shines with the queens. I loved the queens in this!
2. JENNY BEAVAN for MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (2015)
I’ll take any opportunity to mention Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s one of those movies that I always remember and it’s visually unique. Beavan won one of six Oscars Mad Max: Fury Road received that year and while it might not be the most important it’s still amazing. The costumes blend seamlessly into the movie and its vibe. I also love the fact that this kind of movie puts the designer in an unique situation. The circumstances aren’t real so the costume designer has some room for creativity but it all still has to remain in the realm of realistic. The results are amazing here.
1. RUTH E. CARTER for BLACK PANTHER (2018)
Ruth E. Carter made history for her win in 2018. She won and became the first African-American to win an Oscar in Best Costume Design category. That win was also the first Academy Award win for Marvel Studios. And she deserved said win immensely! Black Panther looked and felt so amazing in terms of the costumes. I’m no expert but I’m sure the costume design had a lot of cultural importance and meaning. PS: Looking for a gif for Black Panther made me sad.. can’t believe it’s been almost a year since Boseman passed.
THIS SERIES IS CREATED BY WANDERING THROUGH THE SHELVES
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I’d forgotten Mad Max won costuming, it’s an interesting choice since it’s not what you would conventionally think would take the prize. I really have to make a point to see Black Panther, I always mean to and then it slips my mind. The word of mouth on Alice was always so atrocious that I’ve steered clear of it.
I also stuck with costuming but unlike your theme I have a mix of men and women winners but all deserving.
Les Girls (1957)-Lady Sybil Wren (Kay Kendall) writes a memoir of her time as a dancer in the Les Girl troupe headed by Barry Nichols (Gene Kelly). Upon publication she is sued for libel by Angele Ducros (Taina Elg) who along with Joy Henderson (Mitzi Gaynor) was also in the group. As the story unfolds Rashomon style it raises questions of what the truth is as both women and Barry present their versions all set to the music of Cole Porter. Nominated for three Oscars (Costume Design, Art Direction and Sound) this won Orry-Kelly the second of his three Oscars (out of four nominations) for his dazzling and stylish work.
Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)-Chronicle of the rapid rise of Anne Boleyn (Genevieve Bujold) to become Henry VIII’s (Richard Burton) second queen, nearly tearing the English Kingdom apart in the process and equally precipitous fall. Beautifully appointed and fiercely acted by the leads this received 9 other Oscar nominations (Picture, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Production Design, Score and Sound Mixing) besides Margaret Furse’s (her only prize out of 6 nominations) well deserved win for Costume Design for her elaborately intricate costumes which inform and enrich the characters rather than just being wardrobe.
Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)-Sydney based drag queen Anthony (Hugo Weaving) accepts a gig in far off Alice Springs inviting fellow cross-dresser Adam (Guy Pearce) and transsexual Bernadette (Terence Stamp) to tag along. Decked out in one jaw dropping ensemble after another the trio undertake an odyssey across the Australian Outback in their lavender bus, Priscilla encountering both friend and foe along the way. Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner won the film’s sole nomination for their memorably over the top costume designs with Gardiner creating a sensation by accepting the award in a dress made entirely of expired American Express cards.
Great choices! I had to go with Mad Max as well. It’s such a stunning movie in every way! Black Panther is a fantastic choice. I’m kind of mad at myself for not choosing it!
We match on Black Panther! I almost went with Alice too. I know the movie wasn’t great but the costumes were astounding.
I completely erased Alice in Wonderland from my mind 😅 I only remember how bad it was
Great picks! The only one I haven’t seen is Alice in Wonderland but clearly it has great costumes. LOVE Fury Road and Black Panther, the costumes and make-up are astounding!
Love your picks! It’s so great when the more unique costume designs win rather than standard period drama costumes.