The 2026 Costume Designers Guild Awards ceremony recently honored exceptional costume artistry in both cinematic and television productions. This annual event recognized a diverse range of projects, highlighting the intricate work that brings characters and narratives to life on screen. The evening also featured special tributes to influential figures within the industry, celebrating their lasting impact.
Held at the esteemed Ebell of Los Angeles, the event showcased the pinnacle of costume design. In the film categories, 'One Battle After Another' was acclaimed for its contemporary designs, while 'Frankenstein' took home the prize for period costumes, and 'Wicked: For Good' earned recognition in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. On the television front, 'The Studio' was celebrated for contemporary design, 'Palm Royale' for its period aesthetics, and 'Andor' for its sci-fi/fantasy costume work.
Beyond the competitive awards, the ceremony paid homage to several distinguished individuals. Michelle Cole was presented with the Career Achievement Award, acknowledging her extensive and influential contributions to costume design. Famed director James Cameron received the Distinguished Collaborator Award, recognizing his significant partnerships with costume designers throughout his career. The Spotlight Award was bestowed upon actress Kate Hudson, and Teyana Taylor was honored with the Vanguard Spotlight Award, celebrating their unique impact on the industry.
Additional awards were distributed across various categories. In television, 'Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special' triumphed in Variety, Reality-Competition, Live Television. Short Form Design accolades went to 'Dandyland' and 'Uber Eats: A Century of Cravings - Super Bowl.' Lastly, 'Sinners' was recognized for Excellence in Costume Illustration, underscoring the creative depth within the field. Bulgari, a key partner for the event, introduced a new design for the Guild's signature statuette, The Adrian, and also styled several of the evening's honorees. Presenters included a host of notable personalities such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Paul Feig, and Janelle Monáe, adding to the evening's celebratory atmosphere.
The Costume Designers Guild Awards continue to be a vital platform for acknowledging the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision of costume designers, whose work is fundamental to storytelling in film and television. The 2026 ceremony successfully highlighted the year's most imaginative and impactful costume creations, reinforcing the integral role of design in cinematic and episodic excellence.