“Elvis” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once” were the winning films at the 2023 Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Shirley Kurata’s victory comes as “Everything Everywhere All At Once” has gathered momentum ahead of the final phase of Oscar voting that begins on March 2. Kurata bested the titans on the field as he faced off against Deborah L. Scott (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), the storied Ruth E. Carter (“Black Panther”) and Mayes C. Rubeo (“Thor: Love and Thunder” ).
Catherine Martin won for her work on Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis.” Building more than 90 looks for Austin Butler alone, Martin, a triple nominee for production design and best picture, remains a favorite.
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Wednesday” and “House of the Dragon” were among the other winners.
Ruth E. Carter presented Angela Bassett with the Outstanding Guild Award and reflected on their collaboration. During her speech, Bassett said, “Costume designers are the best partners in movie making.”
The Distinguished Contributor Award went to Bette Midler. Midler thanked her collaborators, including Sal Perez (“Hocus Pocus”) and Albert Wolsky. She said: “When I started working, I was in rags and I still have a fondness for them in my private life. When I’m on screen, thanks to you, I reach levels of beauty, extravagance and madness that I never could have reached.”
Pay equity remains an issue, and costume designers feel undervalued. Guild President Terry Gordon reminded attendees to use the hashtag #NakedWithoutUs and announced that there would be an equity symposium on May 13. Gordon added: “We need your support more than anything.”
“Monarch” costume designer Mandi Line raises awareness by filming Naked Without Us in her hair design.
Tituss Burgess was the host for the evening.
Below is the full list of winners for the 25th Annual CDGA:
Excellence in Science Fiction/Fantasy Film
“Everything Everywhere, All At Once” – Shirley Kurata
Excellence in Contemporary Cinema
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” – Jenny Eagan
Excellence in period cinema
“Elvis” – Catalina Martin
Excellence in Science Fiction/Fantasy Television
“House of the Dragon: Inheritors of the Dragon” – Jany Temime
Excellence in Contemporary Television
“Wednesday: Wednesday’s Child Is Full of Woe” – Colleen Atwood and Mark Sutherland
Excellence in Vintage Television
“The Crown: Ipatiev House” – Amy Roberts
Excellence in Variety, Reality Competition, Live TV
“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls: Girl Run That Sh*t Back” – Carrie Cramer and Jason Rembert
Excellence in short form design
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: “Spitting Off the Edge of the World” (music video) – Natasha Newman-Thomas
