The Academy Awards have always favored extravagance and opulence when it comes to the Best Costume Design category. The award is usually handed out to a period film and rarely has it ever had contemporary costumes nominated for the award. Previous films that have taken home the award include "The Artist," "Alice in Wonderland," "The Young Victoria," and "The Duchess." This year is no different as three period films and two fantasy blockbusters are nominated in the category.
Jacqueline Durran's work for "Anna Karenina" has been hailed for its creativity and her ability to blend 1870s silhouettes with 1950's couture. Durran commented that she studied the 1950's and stated that the 19th century and 50s dress meshed really well. Durran's nomination marks her third in the category. She was previously nominated for her work in Joe Wright's films "Atonement," and "Pride and Prejudice." Durran has already won the Critics' Choice award for Best Costume and looks to be the frontrunner in this category
Paco Delgado's work for "Les Miserables" marks his first Oscar nomination. The designer from Spain has been known for his work in Pedro Almodovar's films and scored numerous GOYA nominations. On his work for "Les Miserables," Delgado stated that production was massive as he had to dress 4,000 people. He also stated that he tried to give the costumes a fantastical look because it was musical. Delgado is currently nominated for the BAFTA award and was nominated for the Critics' Choice. His work on "Les Miserables" marks his first collaboration with British helmer Tom Hooper.
Joanna Johnston's Civil War costumes for "Lincoln" mark the designer's first Oscar nomination. Johnston was hailed for her attention to detail and her historical accuracy for Lincoln's costumes. Johnston stated that the film's challenge was to fit 140 actors, the most she had ever done. Johnston has collaborated with Spielberg on numerous occasions and is also nominated for her first BAFTA. She could have a chance at winning the category based on the popularity of "Lincoln."
Eiko Ishioka's fantasy costumes for "Mirror Mirror" mark the designer's second Oscar nomination and the surprise in the category. Ishioka's nomination is posthumous as she passed away in January 2012. In an interview for the movie the designer stated that director Tarsem wanted hybrid costumes and she was able to play around with 16th and 19th century looks. Ishioka first won in 1992 for her work in "Bram Stoker's Dracula." However it is unlikely she will repeat.
Colleen Atwood's work on "Snow White and the Huntsman" marks her tenth nomination. Atwood has previously received Oscars for her work on "Alice in Wonderland," "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha." The designer, who is a favorite of the Academy, commented that each character's costumes say something about their personalities. For example the Evil Queen Raveena's costumes always had something that represented death whether it was skeletons on her wedding dress or a black dress made of beetle wings. Atwood's nomination is unlikely to see her pick up her fourth Oscar win, however, as the film is not nominated for any major awards.
Predictions: Jaqueline Durran is likely to win due to the theatrical nature and the intricacies in each dress.