Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley has won her first Oscar, nominated for her work in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein.
The talents of New Zealanders have shone brightly on the global stage once again, as Kate Hawley won the Oscar for Best Costume Design at the 98th Academy Awards for her work on the film “Frankenstein”.
Hawley began her career in stage productions, having studied at Wellington Polytechnic and at the Motley Theatre Design Course in London. Her work spanned throughout theatre and opera, including Hansel and Gretel for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Lucia di Lammermoor for the New Zealand Opera, and The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead for Auckland Theatre Company.
Her work in film includes Peter Jackson productions The Lovely Bones (2009) and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012). Her collaboration with Frankenstein director Guillermo del Toro began in 2013 with the film Pacific Rim, followed by Crimson Peak (2015).
Other films in her portfolio include Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Suicide Squad (2016), and Mortal Engines (2018). She also worked on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022).
Upon receiving her Oscar, Hawley acknowledged the “alchemists and dreamweavers” involved in the film’s creation.
“I’m so, so grateful, and thank you very much for recognising our craft,” she said in her speech.
“To my family, who have put up with a lot of sh**.”
The award was presented by the star of the upcoming film “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and Academy Award winner, Anne Hathaway, and Editor in Chief of Vogue, Dame Anna Wintour.
Her work in Frankenstein has been labelled opulent, blending Gothic romance with avant-garde. The costumes are vibrant, highly symbolic and historically informed of the 1850s Victorian era. She drew inspiration from Art Nouveau influences, Tiffany archives and David Bowie’s Thin White Duke era.
This is not the only award for Kate Hawley this awards season, as she also won the BAFTA in the same category. She also won awards for her work in Frankenstein from a number of associations, including the Astra Film and Creative Arts Awards, Capri Hollywood International Film Festival, the Costume Designers Guild Awards, and the Critics’ Choice Awards.
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