Oscar Costumes: From Elizabethan to Outer Space

This year's Oscar nominees for costume design have transported audiences through time and space, from 16th-century Elizabethan England to the moon of Pandora in the 22nd century. The designers behind these cinematic journeys have shared their creative processes, detailing the stylistic choices that defined each era.

For 'Hamnet,' traditional Elizabethan pinking techniques were employed, with slashes on costumes evolving to signify the character's descent into grief. Colors like grayish blue-greens connected the character to water, and his attire reflected his occupation as a writer rather than a warrior.

In contrast, designs for other films drew inspiration from historical art and sought to break from stiff traditional portrayals. Fabrics like Ugandan barkskin were used to represent a character's connection to nature, highlighting a move towards more fluid and naturalistic costumes. Some pieces were even tested on visual effects models to ensure historical and stylistic accuracy.