The stage is set for a thrilling Oscar season as the 2025 Costume Designer Guild Awards (CDGA) nominees are in, giving a boost to films like “Wicked,” “Nosferatu,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Gladiator II,” and “Emilia Pérez.” The announcement, made on December 13, has sparked excitement in the film industry, with these frontrunners vying for Oscar glory.
In the period category, “Nosferatu,” “Maria,” “Gladiator II,” “Saturday Night,” and “The Book of Clarence” are in the spotlight. Each film brings a unique historical flavor to the costume design table, making it a tough category to call. Meanwhile, contemporary films such as “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Challengers,” “The Substance,” and “The Fall Guy” have also received nods, showcasing the diversity of modern fashion on screen.
The sci-fi and fantasy genres are well-represented with nominees like “Wicked,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” and “Borderlands.” These films transport audiences to different worlds through their imaginative and often elaborate costumes.
“Wicked,” adapted by Jon M. Chu from the beloved Broadway musical, delves into the origins of the Wicked Witch and Glinda. The costume design by Paul Tazewell captures the contrast between Elphaba’s earthy tones and Galinda’s airy style, reflecting their contrasting personalities. Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” continues the epic saga with Janty Yates and Dave Crossman crafting costumes that echo the grandeur and complexity of ancient Rome.
In Robert Eggers’ reimagined “Nosferatu,” Linda Muir has infused the wardrobe with a gothic and haunting quality, perfectly matching the film’s eerie atmosphere. Similarly, “Dune: Part Two” sees Jacqueline West expanding the visual vocabulary of the universe, highlighting different cultures within the story.
“Emilia Pérez” offers a unique blend of musical crime thriller elements, with Virginie Montel’s theatrical costumes bringing the narrative’s vibrant and fantastical elements to life. This variation in style adds a dynamic element to the traditional costume design approaches.
Films under the ‘Contenders’ label also bring exciting prospects to the Oscars. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Blitz,” and “A Complete Unknown” are just a few poised to challenge the frontrunners with inventive and memorable costume work. Tim Burton’s return to “Beetlejuice” includes Colleen Atwood’s signature touch on the character’s iconic style, ensuring a visually engaging experience for the audience.
The story behind each costume is as compelling as the film itself. From Ellen’s ethereal connection to Count Orlok in “Nosferatu” to Lucius’s journey in “Gladiator II,” these sartorial choices contribute to the storytelling, adding layers of depth to the characters.
As the awards season unfolds, these films will continue to captivate audiences and critics alike. Each nominee in the costume design category deserves recognition for their ability to transport viewers to different times and places through the magic of clothing.
As we inch closer to the 97th Oscars, the anticipation for best costume design reaches a fever pitch. These films, each with its rich tapestry of costume artistry, challenge and inspire the journeys they portray on screen. Whether they hail from magical realms or historical epics, the nominated designers have set the stage for a memorable Oscars season.
Source: Yahoo
