Colleen Atwood was twice feted, first for the period film design of “Memoirs of a Geisha” and then as an honoree of the Lacoste Spotlight in Film Award, at the eighth annual Costume Designers Guild Awards, hosted by Anjelica Huston on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton.
Accepting the period film design nod, Atwood said that at one point she oversaw the process of shoes being made in Osaka, Japan, and other work done on an island off of England. “It was an incredible world effort, and it moved all of us to do the best that we could,” she said.
Costume designer Danny Glicker drew the contemporary film prize for his work on “Transamerica,” and in the fantasy film category, Isis Mus-senden nabbed the award for her designs in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Television kudos went to “Six Feet Under” designer Jill Ohanneson for the contemporary television category and “Rome” designer April Ferry for the period/fantasy category. CBS’ “Elvis” designer Eduardo Castro picked up the win for TV movie/miniseries, a new category this year.
“Star Trek” franchise designer Robert Blackman was honored with the Spotlight in Television Award, and Christopher Lawrence captured the commercial costume design prize for his work on Capitol One spot “Vi-king.”
Honoring this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, Bill Thomas (“Spartacus”), William Travilla (“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”) and Renie (“Cleopatra”), emcee Huston illustrated the designers’ particular era: In the ’50s, “it was the fun of pearls, poodle skirts and plunging necklines.” A video montage of era pics featuring the designers’ costumes followed. Designer Anna Hill Johns-tone, who worked on “East of Eden” and “The Godfather,” was inducted into the Edith Head Hall of Fame.
Joan Allen, who garnered the distinguished actor award, explained how her appreciation of costuming crystallized. Playing Pat Nixon in Oliver Stone’s “Nixon,” Allen said that while dressed as the conservative first lady, she was “walking through a crowd (of actors dressed as hippies) and thought, No wonder the country was so messed up. How could they possi-bly understand one another?” She noted that this realization was a tribute to designers.
The distinguished service award went to Mary Rose, while IATSE president Thomas C. Short was recognized with the Swarovski President’s Award. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was on hand to com-mend Short on his award.
Presenters included Jane Seymour, Kathy Griffin, Kelly Rutherford, Angie Harmon, Brenda Strong, Maggie Q, Kelly Rowan, Alfre Woodard and Alicia Witt.
