The 2025 Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design have been announced, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. With a mix of historical epics, fantasy adaptations, and horror reimaginings, the nominees have showcased their artistic mastery in crafting stunning costumes that bring cinematic worlds to life. Let’s take a closer look at the nominees and their exceptional contributions to costume design.
1. A Complete Unknown – Arianne Phillips
Arianne Phillips, an acclaimed costume designer, brings her expertise to A Complete Unknown, a film centered around Bob Dylan’s transformative years. Phillips, known for her work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Walk the Line, has meticulously recreated the fashion of the 1960s, ensuring authenticity and style that reflects Dylan’s enigmatic persona. Her designs capture the essence of an era that was both rebellious and revolutionary.
2. Conclave – Lisy Christl
Lisy Christl, renowned for her work on Anonymous and The Book Thief, has been recognized for her outstanding costume design in Conclave. This political drama, set in the Vatican, required intricate ecclesiastical robes and ceremonial garments, all crafted with historical accuracy. Christl’s ability to blend tradition with cinematic storytelling makes her a strong contender in this category.
3. Gladiator II – Janty Yates and Dave Crossman
The legendary Janty Yates, who won an Oscar for her work on the original Gladiator, returns alongside Dave Crossman to deliver breathtaking costume designs for Gladiator II. Their work revives the grandeur of ancient Rome, with meticulously detailed armor, lavish robes, and battle-worn tunics that add depth to the film’s epic storytelling. Their designs not only honor the original film but also bring fresh creativity to this long-awaited sequel.
4. Nosferatu – Linda Muir
Linda Muir, best known for her work on The Witch and The Northman, brings her signature eerie aesthetic to Nosferatu. This reimagining of the classic horror tale required a gothic and sinister approach to costume design. Muir’s hauntingly beautiful attire enhances the film’s dark and foreboding atmosphere, making the characters even more visually striking.
5. Wicked – Paul Tazewell
Paul Tazewell, an acclaimed designer known for Hamilton and West Side Story, has earned a nomination for his magical and extravagant costumes in Wicked. Bringing the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen required dazzling, whimsical outfits that capture the fantastical world of Oz. His work combines vibrant colors, elaborate textures, and intricate detailing, making every costume a visual spectacle.
Who Will Take Home the Oscar?
This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of genres, from historical dramas to supernatural thrillers. While Gladiator II and Wicked showcase grandeur and fantasy, Nosferatu and Conclave lean into historical accuracy and atmospheric storytelling. A Complete Unknown offers a slice of musical history with a deep focus on authenticity. The competition is fierce, and each nominee has demonstrated extraordinary craftsmanship.
