See the Fashion From the Nominees for Best Costume Design at the 2021 Oscars
In addition to awards such as Best Film, Best Director, or Best Actor/Actress, Best Costume Design is another highly anticipated Oscars category that is crucial to bringing the movies to life. See this year's nominees.
Earlier this week, the 2021 Oscar nominations were announced, and among the celebrated films and starring actors were also the picks for Best Costume Design. This year, the costumes for the nominated films span from Regency England to the Roaring '20s.
In previous years, stunning films with costumes to match included Marie Antoinette (2007), The Duchess (2009), The Young Victoria (2010), and Anna Karenina (2013). These previous Oscar-winners reflect a penchant for historical retrospectivees and dramas.
Here, see the highlights of this year's Best Costume nominees and place your bets on which film with claim the golden statue on April 26.
1. Alexandra Byrne for Emma
This marks six Academy Award nominations for Alexandra Byrne, who has created excellent costumes for period films such as Hamlet (1996), Elizabeth (1998), and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), which was her only win thus far.
In Emma, Byrne brings a colorful, playful spirit to Regency period outfits, combined with director Autumn De Wilde's aesthetic personality. Byrne's costumes add a new color to the adaptation of writer Jane Austen. Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays the female lead in the film, has embodied the ladylike girlishness displayed by Byrne's designs.
2. Bina Daigeler for Mulan
With a budget of over $200 million, the producers seem to have been passionate about the latest Disney adaptation of Mulan. Costume designer Bina Daigeler did not overlook any details, creating the most vivid and unique outfits for the characters, especially the heroine. From battle armor to the majestic Tang-inspired robes of China, to the lavish, elaborate costumes worn by actress Liu Yifei, Daigeler's meticulous research was a worthy investment.
3. Ann Roth for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is the last film of the late actor Chadwick Boseman, and he won the Golden Globe award for his role as the musician Levee.
As for the costumes, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom achieved success thanks to veteran designer Ann Roth. In 2021, at the age of 89, Roth continues to set new standards. Roth created a beaded gown and flapper shawl for Viola Davis as the titular character. The influence of the 1920s style of music and fashion permeates the movie.
4. Trish Summerville for Mank
Mank, a period drama that centers on the writer of Citizen Kane, Herman J. Mankiewicz, has swept awards season, with 10 Academy Award nominations.
Designer Trish Summerville is a longtime collaborator of director David Fincher. For their latest project together, Summerville recreated Old Hollywood wardrobes for the characters. Stars like Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, and Tuppence Middleton are all dressed in sparkling and glamorous dresses by Summerville, including Seyfried's epic outfit for a party at Hearst Castle.
5. Massimo Cantini Parrini for Pinocchio
Perhaps the biggest surprise of this year is the movie Pinocchio by Italian director Matteo Garrone. Pinocchio is critically acclaimed for its art direction as well as the makeup and hair styling.
Since Garrone's films in the past were often flamboyant in fashion, Pinocchio was the first film to delve into the dark corners of the fantasy world, with costumes that fit the tone by Massimo Cantini Parrini. It has clearly resonated with viewers during a year where escapism was essential.
