Academy Award-winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter

Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter is an expert storyteller who harnesses the power of visual communication to share narratives of culture, race, and politics. Creating costumes for generation-defining films like Black Panther, Selma, and Do the Right Thing, she brings vibrancy, nuance, color, and texture to each of her culture-shifting characters. 

Born on April 10, 1960, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ruth always had a passion for art and fashion, which eventually led her to study at Hampton University in Virginia, where she received a degree in Theatre Arts.

The beginning of Carter's career path leaned towards acting, but it was her involvement in the college wardrobe department that revealed her true passion for costume design. Through her dedication and talent, she landed an apprenticeship at the esteemed Santa Fe Opera, honing her craft and gaining valuable experience. This propelled her journey to Los Angeles, where she embarked on designing costumes for stage productions and dance studios, showcasing her creative prowess.

School Daze

In a turning point in 1988, renowned filmmaker Spike Lee recognized Carter's exceptional talent and entrusted her with designing costumes for his film School Daze. This collaboration marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership, with Carter lending her artistic vision to 14 of Lee's films. Furthermore, her remarkable skills caught the attention of esteemed directors like Ryan Coogler, Lee Daniels, Ava DuVernay, John Singleton, and Steven Spielberg, who sought her expertise to enhance their cinematic visions through captivating costumes. She later moved on to bigger projects, designing costumes for major Hollywood productions, such as "Selma," "Malcolm X," and "Amistad."

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

In 2019, Ruth E. Carter's remarkable contributions to the world of costume design garnered widespread recognition and accolades. She was prominently featured in an episode of Abstract, a captivating Netflix documentary series that showcases artists at the forefront of design. Additionally, her extraordinary talent and career achievements were honored in multiple ways. The Costume Designers Guild bestowed upon her the prestigious Career Achievement Award, acknowledging her outstanding body of work. Furthermore, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized Carter's exceptional contributions by presenting her with the coveted Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

However, it was her work on "Black Panther" that garnered her worldwide recognition and critical acclaim. Ruth's designs for the film, which drew inspiration from various African cultures, were widely praised for their authenticity and creativity.

Danai Gurira plays the general of the Dora Milaje and Angela Bassett is Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Eli Adé/Marvel

In an interview with The New York Times, Ruth talked about her research process for "Black Panther," stating that she traveled to South Africa, Kenya, and Lesotho to gather inspiration for the costumes. She also revealed that she incorporated traditional African patterns and textures into the designs, such as the Basotho blankets worn by the Wakandans in the film.

Ruth's work on "Black Panther" earned her several accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, making her the first African American to win in that category. In 2023, Ruth took home best costume design at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”, making her the first black woman to win 2 Oscars.

In addition to her work in the film industry, Ruth has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. She is a board member of the African American Film Critics Association and is committed to supporting the next generation of Black artists and filmmakers.

Ruth E. Carter's contribution to the film industry and her dedication to promoting African culture through her designs make her a true icon in her field. She continues to inspire and empower young artists and serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to one's craft.

Photos courtesy of Savannah College of Art and Design