Don’t listen to any Oscar prognosticators when it comes to Best Costume Design. Not yet, at least. This category is wide open and we’re all clutching at straws right now. We’ll likely need to wait and see what direction the major awards take to truly understand this category.
This month, I’m moving Emma. into the top spot. We know the Academy can’t help but award this prize to a lavish period piece, and Alexandra Byrne’s stunning costume designs fit the bill perfectly. With five nominations and a win in 2007 for Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Byrne has the pedigree edge here.
For the longest time, I thought this category was Mank‘s to lose, but now I’m not entirely sure. Sure, Trish Summerville drapes Amanda Seyfried in the most gorgeous array of gowns, but the remainder of the costuming is mostly just basic mens suits. Is that enough to win the Academy over? Time will tell.
While contemporary nominees are extremely rare in this category, keep an eye on Promising Young Woman. Nancy Steiner’s designs are integral to the plot and it would be such a statement from the Academy to acknowledge her work. If they really love the film, don’t be surprised to see it pop up here.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN PREDICTIONS:
1. Emma. (Focus Features)
Alexandra Byrne
2. Mank (Netflix)
Trish Summerville
3. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)
Ann Roth
4. Mulan (Disney)
Bina Daigeler
5. News of the World (Universal Pictures)
Mark Bridges
MAJOR CONTENDERS:
The Glorias (Roadside Attractions)
Sandy Powell
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)
Michael Wilkinson
Judas and the Black Messiah (Warner Bros)
Charlese Antoinette Jones
One Night in Miami (Amazon Studios)
Francine Jamison-Tanchuck
The Personal History of David Copperfield (Searchlight Pictures)
Suzie Harman and Robert Worley
The Prom (Netflix)
Lou Eyrich
Promising Young Woman (Focus Features)
Nancy Steiner
The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Hulu)
Paolo Nieddu
The Witches (HBO Max/Warner Bros.)
Joanna Johnston
Wonder Woman 1984 (HBO Max/Warner Bros.)
Lindy Hemming