The Critics Choice Awards 2024, scheduled for this Sunday (14th) in Los Angeles, is enveloped in heightened anticipation. The film world’s gaze is set on the 21 categories and their nominees, with a spotlight on the night’s leading movies.
“Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, stands out as the top contender, competing in 18 categories. Close behind are Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Poor Creatures” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” each vying for 13 awards. These films shine not only in the major categories but also in the contest for “Best Costume Design,” a crucial aspect in the visual and narrative construction of any film.
In the “Best Costume Design” category, “Barbie” and “Poor Creatures” face stiff competition from other big names like “Wonka,” “The Color Purple,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Napoleon.” Each of these films presents a unique challenge for their costume designers, who used their talents to bring to life fascinating stories and memorable characters.
Jacqueline Durran, responsible for the costumes in “Barbie,” is an Oscar winner known for her work on “Little Women.” For this film, she blended references from various decades with pieces from Chanel, creating an authentic and contemporary look for the iconic doll.
Lindy Hemming, working on “Wonka,” brought to life a classic character through a costume that acts as a narrative patchwork quilt. Each detail of the attire helps tell the origin of this beloved character, adding a layer of fable and enchantment to the film.
Francine Jamison-Tanchuck, the costume designer for “The Color Purple,” returns to the project after working on the original 1985 version. Her approach for the current film included revisiting memories from previous productions, offering a nostalgic and profound touch.
Holly Waddington faced the challenge of dressing the protagonist of “Poor Creatures” with the mind of a child. Her work resulted in costumes that combine layers and volumes, reflecting the context of the 19th century.
Jacqueline West, in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” recreated the 1920s look with a focus on the Osage native community. Her detailed research and collaboration with the community ensured the authenticity of the costumes.
Finally, “Napoleon” stands out as the only film where the costume was created by two people, Janty Yates and David Crossman. This joint effort was essential for detailing the meticulous pieces needed for the film.
As we approach the Critics Choice Awards 2024, these talented costume designers deserve recognition for their exceptional work, playing a vital role in the success of their films.
