Introducing the 36-Time Oscar Winner You've Never Heard Of

TL;DR

Angels Costumes has won 36 Oscars for their iconic film costumes.

Transcript

If you laid all the rails end to end, and it's probably four high or three high, if you laid them all end to end, you'd have 8 and 1/2 miles of costume. And we've got just over a million pieces. So, it's quite a lot of costume. We go from the 20s to the 30s and this is uh ladies nightwear evening dresses and on the left hand side we now go to 1940s... Read More

Key Insights

• Angels Costumes has been a pivotal part of the film industry since 1913, predating the movie industry itself by decades. Their work is integral to creating authentic period pieces and iconic film looks.
• The company holds over a million costume pieces, spanning various eras from the 1800s to modern times, providing a vast resource for film productions worldwide.
• Despite technological advancements, Angels Costumes continues to craft costumes using traditional methods, offering a sense of authenticity and aiding actors in their performances.
• The company's collection includes iconic pieces, such as Alec Guinness's Obi-Wan Kenobi robe, which are sometimes auctioned due to their historical and cultural significance.
• Angels Costumes faces modern challenges such as computer-generated imagery, which reduces the need for physical costumes by digitally replicating them in large quantities.
• The preservation of costumes is a significant concern, with threats like moth infestations posing a risk to their extensive collection.
• The company has been involved in major productions like 'Game of Thrones,' providing original costumes for significant characters and settings.
• Angel Costumes' work is often unnoticed by the public, yet their contributions have earned them more Oscars than many renowned actors and films combined.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the historical significance of Angels Costumes?

Angels Costumes is historically significant as it has been a part of the film industry since 1913, even before the movie industry was fully established. Their extensive collection and traditional costume-making methods have made them an essential resource for authentic period pieces in cinema.

Q: How does Angels Costumes contribute to film authenticity?

Angels Costumes contributes to film authenticity by providing meticulously crafted costumes that accurately represent various historical eras. Their traditional methods of costume-making, combined with a vast collection of over a million pieces, allow filmmakers to create believable and immersive worlds for their productions.

Q: What challenges does Angels Costumes face in the modern film industry?

In the modern film industry, Angels Costumes faces challenges from computer-generated imagery, which can replicate costumes digitally, reducing the need for physical pieces. Additionally, preserving their extensive collection from threats like moth infestations is a constant concern, as these can damage valuable historical costumes.

Q: Why are some costumes from Angels Costumes auctioned?

Some costumes from Angels Costumes are auctioned due to their iconic status and cultural significance. For example, Alec Guinness's Obi-Wan Kenobi robe was auctioned because it represents a piece of cinematic history, attracting collectors and fans who value its connection to a beloved film franchise.

Q: How does Angels Costumes enhance actors' performances?

Angels Costumes enhances actors' performances by providing authentic costumes that help them embody their characters. Wearing historically accurate and meticulously crafted outfits allows actors to feel more connected to their roles, as noted by performers like Cate Blanchett, who find that costumes from Angels aid in their acting process.

Q: What is the scope of Angels Costumes' collection?

The scope of Angels Costumes' collection is vast, encompassing over a million pieces that cover a wide range of historical periods from the 1800s to contemporary times. This extensive inventory allows them to cater to diverse film productions, offering everything from period-specific attire to iconic film costumes.

Q: How has Angels Costumes adapted to technological changes in filmmaking?

Angels Costumes has adapted to technological changes by maintaining their traditional costume-making techniques while also recognizing the impact of digital advancements like CGI. They continue to provide physical costumes for productions, understanding that there remains a demand for tangible, authentic pieces despite the rise of digital alternatives.

Q: What role did Angels Costumes play in 'Game of Thrones'?

In 'Game of Thrones,' Angels Costumes played a crucial role by providing original costumes for significant characters and settings, such as the Night's Watch. Their contributions helped establish the show's visual authenticity and contributed to its immersive storytelling, showcasing their expertise in creating detailed and period-appropriate attire.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Angels Costumes, a cornerstone of the film industry since 1913, boasts over a million costume pieces and has won 36 Oscars. Their traditional crafting methods and extensive collection serve as a vital resource for authentic film productions.

• Despite challenges from computer-generated imagery, Angels Costumes remains crucial for creating genuine period pieces. Their iconic collection includes items like Obi-Wan Kenobi's robe, highlighting their cultural significance and influence in cinema.

• The company continues to play a pivotal role in major productions, providing costumes that enhance actors' performances. Their work, though often unnoticed, is integral to the film industry's visual storytelling.