Costume designer Ruth E. Carter recently became the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards in the Best Costume Design category, for “Black Panther” (2018) and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022).
Making History Again
At the 95th Academy Awards in 2023, Ruth E. Carter solidified her place in Oscars history by winning her second costume design trophy.
She was previously the first African American winner in the category for 2018’s cultural phenomenon “Black Panther.” Now with the sequel, she is the first Black woman with multiple Oscars in the same category.
In her acceptance speech, Carter emphasized the importance of representation and chasing dreams despite adversity.
Honoring Her Late Mother
Carter dedicated her second Oscar win to her mother Mabel, who passed away the prior week at age 101. She asked her “Black Panther” co-star Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020, to care for her mother.
Backstage, an emotional Carter called her mother her “road dog” who pushed her to follow her dreams. She said her mother would be proud of her making history again.
Pioneering Film Career
Over her extensive career, Ruth E. Carter has designed costumes for major films like “Malcolm X,” “Amistad,” and “Selma.”
She has frequently collaborated with directors such as Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay to bring pivotal Black stories to life through clothing. Carter is renowned for her research and detail.
Uplifting Future Generations
As the first Black woman to reach this Oscar milestone, Carter hopes her achievements will open doors for other women of color in the film industry to also be recognized.
Through determination and incredible talent, she has become a two-time Academy Award winner and inspiring pioneer in her field.
