The road to the Oscars officially started today with the announcement of the nominees for the 97th Academy Awards. Among the closely watched categories, particularly in the world of fashion, will be costume design, which offers a vast variety among the five nominated films.
The nominees took their audiences on voyages to the magical world of Oz, 19th-century Transylvania, early 1960s New York City, Vatican City and ancient Rome.
And while “Wicked” dominated the box office among the top Oscar contenders, the film’s costume designer, Paul Tazewell, faces some stiff competition, including the team behind “Gladiator II,” which includes Janty Yates, who was back in familiar territory after winning the Oscar in 2001 for “Gladiator.”
‘Wicked’
Costume designer: Paul Tazewell (second nomination)
About the costumes: The world of Oz portrayed in “Wicked” has spellbound audiences in no small part because of its fantasy-inducing costume designs. Mr. Tazewell’s creations for the film include Galinda’s pink bubble dress, Elphaba’s ensemble of black silk chiffon on top of black lace on top of purple taffeta, and Madame Morrible’s academic robe accented with astrological-looking runes. In an interview with The Times last year, Mr. Tazewell suggested that he was destined for the gig: Growing up as a teenager in Akron, Ohio, he designed the costumes for a high school production of “The Wiz.”