CINDERELLA
Sandy Powell
The real star of Disney’s latest live action film “Cinderella” is actually the iconic blue gown that Cinderella wears to the ball. 500 hours of work went into making just that one gown and it will forever be reminiscent of this amazing film and the character that goes along with it. Sandy Powell opens up about having complete freedom when it came to the dress and having in mind that it would go on to be kids’ Halloween costumes and would be represented on toys and dolls forever, so she was very mindful of its production. On film, the dress looks absolutely stunning and has so many intricate details that it’s impossible not to get lost in the dress when she’s wearing it. The audience is in just as much awe as the spectators in the film. The way it flows, the way its moves while they dance, even the way it sways as she runs down the palace steps. And again, this is all one dress. Now add to that the involvement of Care Blanchett and her extravagant wardrobe throughout the film as the evil Stepmother, the dresses of the even stepsisters, all those dressed up for the ball, and of course, the royalty including the Prince. So much goes into fantasy films, but even more goes into bringing animated films to life, because there’s a level of trying to represent what was put forth and stay true to the original costumes, and Sandy Powell does a marvelous job.
What’s its competition? One way or another, it seems that Sandy Powell will become a four-time winning Costume Designer, either for her work here on “Cinderella” or on her other nomination this year, “Carol,” which is also a front-runner, placing her in the top spots. If anyone even has a chance of beating her, it’s probably Jenny Beavan for “Mad Max: Fury Road,” but even that feels like a stretch. The only thing working against “Cinderella” is that it is not nominated in any other categories, but this could also be seen as a plus, as it may not even have been nominated without a lot of support in this particular category. Personally, I’m hoping “Cinderella” takes it.
Previous nominations? Including her nomination this year for Costume Design for CAROL, this is the twelfth Academy Award nomination for Sandy Powell. She was previously nominated for:
- HUGO (2011)
Nominee, Costume Design - THE TEMPEST (2010)
Nominee, Costume Design - THE YOUNG VICTORIA (2009)
Winner, Costume Design - MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS (2005)
Nominee, Costume Design - THE AVIATOR (2004)
Winner, Costume Design - GANGS OF NEW YORK (2002)
Nominee, Costume Design - SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (1998)
Winner, Costume Design - VELVET GOLDMINE (1998)
Nominee, Costume Design - THE WINGS OF THE DOVE (1997)
Nominee, Costume Design - ORLANDO (1993)
Nominee, Costume Design
// Produced by Simon Kinberg, Allison Shearmur, and David Barron // Directed by Kenneth Branagh //
// Dated Viewed: Sunday, January 31st, 2016 // BLU-RAY // 21 films – 29 days //
