The 28th Costume Designers Guild Awards, held Thursday night, weren’t just a celebration of stunning garments; they were a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit and narrative power woven into every stitch. From heartfelt acceptance speeches to a standing ovation for a trailblazing career, the evening underscored the vital role costume designers play in bringing characters and stories to life. The awards recognized excellence in film and television, with honors going to the designers behind “One Battle After Another,” “Frankenstein,” “Wicked: For Good,” “The Studio,” and “Andor.”
This year’s ceremony highlighted how costume design isn’t merely about aesthetics, but about deeply understanding and visually communicating a character’s journey. The common thread throughout the night was the emphasis on partnership – between designers and directors, designers and actors and designers and their teams. The power of costume design as a storytelling device was repeatedly emphasized, solidifying its place as a crucial element of cinematic and television success.
Colleen Atwood took home the award for Excellence in Fantasy Film for her work on “One Battle After Another,” while Kate Hawley was honored with the Adrian for Excellence in Period Film for “Frankenstein.” Hawley’s win was particularly poignant, as she publicly praised director Guillermo del Toro, stating she would have “given up at certain times without him,” and celebrating his support of the artistic process. Paul Tazewell received recognition for Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film for “Wicked: For Good,” describing the experience as a “full-circle moment” that profoundly changed his life. These wins are particularly noteworthy as both Atwood and Hawley are nominated for Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards, potentially adding to their accolades.
A Lifetime of Breaking Barriers
The evening also celebrated the career of veteran costume designer Michelle Cole, who received the Career Achievement Award. Cole, who has been working in the industry for 43 years, spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a Black woman in Hollywood, even behind the camera, but emphasized her unwavering determination. Her speech resonated deeply with the audience, culminating in a well-deserved standing ovation. Cole’s journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Kameron Lennox’s acceptance speech for Excellence in Contemporary Television for her work on “The Studio” also struck a chord. With visible emotion, Lennox thanked the late Catherine O’Hara for her guidance and for consistently recognizing the power of costume to define a character’s narrative. This tribute underscored the lasting impact mentors can have on emerging talent and the importance of honoring those who paved the way.
Collaboration at the Heart of Cinematic Vision
James Cameron, honored with the Distinguished Collaborator Award, exemplified the spirit of partnership that defined the night. He dedicated his award to Deborah L. Scott, who presented it to him, stating that collaboration, for him, meant working with a single artist over the last 30 years. Cameron recalled the iconic hat worn by Kate Winslet in “Titanic,” emphasizing how a single costume element could create a lasting cinematic moment. “When you think of Kate Winslet’s incredible looks in Titanic, specifically when she steps out of that car and her character is revealed for the first time with that hat, that is a piece of cinema that still takes people’s breath away,” he said.
The awards weren’t limited to film, and television. Rafaella Rabinovich and Michelle Martini tied in the excellence in short-form design category, demonstrating the expanding scope of costume design across various media. The evening was hosted by Courtney Hope, known for her roles on “The Bold and the Stunning” and “The Young and the Restless,” adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings.
Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at an after-party, continuing to celebrate their achievements and the art of costume design. The event served as a reminder that the creation of compelling visual stories is a collective effort, and that costume designers are essential storytellers in their own right. The 2026 Costume Designers Guild Awards truly showcased the power of collaboration and the artistry that goes into crafting unforgettable characters.
As awards season continues, the Costume Designers Guild Awards serve as a significant indicator of potential success at the Academy Awards. The recognition bestowed upon these talented designers will undoubtedly inspire future generations to embrace the art of storytelling through costume. The industry will be watching closely to spot which of these celebrated designs will take home the ultimate prize.
What are your thoughts on the importance of costume design in filmmaking? Share your favorite examples of impactful costumes in the comments below!
