Photo credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times
The legendary Ruth E. Carter has been bringing Black girl magic and representation to the film industry for over thirty years as a costume designer for films such as Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X,” Ava DuVernay’s “Selma,” and Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther.” To honor her incredible body of work, the Costume Designers Guild Awards will present Carter with its Career Achievement Award at its 21st annual ceremony.
Carter has worked on more than 40 films (which includes over 10 Spike Lee joints), earned two best costume design Oscar nominations for “Malcolm X“ and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad,” as well as an Emmy nomination for the 2016 remake of “Roots.” When Carter received an Oscar nod in 1993 for “Malcolm X,” she became the first African American to be nominated for costume design.
“The decades of iconic costumes and her stunning designs from this year’s Black Panther certainly speak for themselves,” Salvador Perez, President of the Costume Designers Guild, said in a statement. “As one of the most innovative and passionate leaders in her craft, the CDG board and its members can think of no more deserving recipient of the CDGA 2019 Career Achievement Award than Ruth E. Carter.”
Congratulations Ms. Carter! Thank you for using your talent to help authentically represent us and our stories on-screen.
The 21st annual Costume Designers Guild Awards is set to be held on February 19 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.