When the Academy unveiled its final nominations, there was only room for one fashion design narrative in the Best Costume Design category. It was Cruella who triumphed over House of Gucci, which limped to just a sole nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. In its place slipped Milena Cananero for Best Picture nominee Nightmare Alley, which may be more of a threat in this category than first presumed.
This likely still remains a close two-horse race between Jenny Beavan for Cruella and Jacqueline West for Dune. Beavan is chasing her third Oscar victory, while West is seeking her first win on her fourth nomination. In the battle between period and sci-fi designs, the former generally comes out on top. However, Dune has been threatening to sweep the tech categories for months, which naturally works in West’s favour.
Is there a path to victory for West Side Story, Nightmare Alley or Cyrano? Look, anything is possible. The trio will battle with Cruella for Excellence in Period Film at the Costume Designers Guild Awards. If one of these three films picks up a win there, they’ll be the chosen contender to challenge Dune. But Cruella has felt like the frontrunner all season and the next few weeks should cement that status.
So what will shape this race before Oscar voting commences on March 17? All five Oscar nominees are represented at the Costume Designers Guild Awards on March 9, but Dune is in a separate category from the other four. BAFTA and Critics Choice will reveal their winners on March 13. West Side Story is missing at BAFTA, while Cyrano is absent at Critics Choice. But we’re really looking at Cruella vs. Dune, so keep an eye on which film prevails with BAFTA and Critics Choice.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN PREDICTIONS:
1. Cruella (Disney)
Jenny Beavan
2. Dune (Warner Bros.)
Jacqueline West
3. West Side Story (20th Century Studios)
Paul Tazewell
4. Nightmare Alley (Searchlight Pictures)
Milena Cananero
5. Cyrano (MGM)
Massimo Cantini Parrini
