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2018 Emmy Nominations for Costume Design – Updated to Include Winners

12 Jul

Instant thoughts on the overall nominations include being thrilled for The Americans getting back into the Best Drama category, dancing with joy that Tatiana Maslany got a nom even though Orphan Black finished so long ago (she was incredible in that final season) and the Sandra Oh nod for Killing Eve. About half my wish list got recognized. The major ones missing out being the mini-series picks; I don’t understand how Kyle MacLachlan is not included. But, whatever TV Academy.

As is the TV Ate My Wardrobe tradition, here are some thoughts on the costume design nominees and snubs. Plus a full list of which shows/costume designers have been nominated. Categories are split into Contemporary, Period, Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Variety/Nonfiction/Reality — this year they separated period and fantasy, which makes so much sense. And we already know which episodes have been submitted. Also let’s hope the This is Us team did their calculations this time (I’m pretty sure they did).

This is a very strong year for outerwear.
There is plenty to be thrilled about including Ane Crabtree for Handmaid’s Tale, previous winners Michele Clapton and Lou Eyrich getting recognized once again. First time shows such as Donna Zakowska for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Cynthia Summers for her first season on A Series of Unfortunate Events also jump out at me. And I am really happy to see Terry Dresbach get a nomination for the episode of Outlander that introduced Claire’s ‘Batsuit.’

Of course I wanted to see Katie Irish get recognized for the many disguises that have helped bring The Americans spy world to life. They aren’t flashy looks, which means they don’t necessarily stand out against some of the other period nominees. But this is extraordinary work, particularly as this season embraced the more overt ’80s styling that audiences were probably expecting early on. Timeless is a show that did a different decade (sometimes century) every week and Mari-An Ceo did an incredible job of not only crafting costumes for the principals actors, but also a host of background ones. This also gives me a good opportunity to say how sad I am that it got cancelled.

Below are the nominations.

Outstanding Contemporary Costumes

The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, “The Man Who Would Be Vogue” – Lou Eyrich,
Allison Leach, Rebecca Guzzi, Nora Pedersen – Winner!
black-ish, “Juneteenth” – Michelle Cole, Delores Ybarra, Devon Patterson
Empire, “Slave To Memory” – Paolo Nieddu, Jennifer Salim, Steffany Bernstein-Pratt
Grace And Frankie, “The Expiration Date” – Allyson B. Fanger, Heather Pain, Lori DeLapp
This Is Us, “The Wedding” – Hala Bahmet, Elinor Bardach

Outstanding Period Costumes

The Alienist, “A Fruitful Partnership” – Michael Kaplan, Rudy Mance, Beáta Merkovits, Andrew Hunt
The Crown, “Dear Mrs. Kennedy” – Jane Petrie, Emily Newby, Basia Kuznar, Gaby Spanswick – Winner!
Genius: Picasso, “Chapter One” – Sonu Mishra, Eudald Magari, Balazs Labancz
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, “The Disappointment Of The Dionne Quintuplets” – Donna Zakowska, Marina Reti, Ginnie Patton, Sheila Grover
Outlander, “Freedom & Whisky” – Terry Dresbach, Nadine Powell, Anna Lau

Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes

Fahrenheit 451 – Meghan Kasperlik, Renee Fontana, Cori Burchell
Game Of Thrones, “Beyond The Wall” – Michele Clapton, Alexander Fordham, Emma O’Loughlin, Kate O’Farrell – Winner!
The Handmaid’s Tale, “Seeds” – Ane Crabtree, Natalie Bronfman
A Series Of Unfortunate Events, The Vile Village: Part 1 – Cynthia Summers, Phoebe Parsons, Kelsey Chobotar
Westworld, “Akane No Mai” – Sharen Davis, Charlene Amateau, Jodie Stern, Sandy Kenyon

Outstanding Costumes For Variety, Nonfiction Or Reality Programming

Dancing With The Stars, “Disney Night” (Costumes: Pro and celebrity dancers; dance troupe) –
Daniela Gschwendtner, Steven Lee, Polina Roytman, Candice Rainwater, Howard Sussman
Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert – Paul Tazewell, Laaleh Mizani, Heather Lockard,
Rory Powers
RuPaul’s Drag Race, “10s Across The Board” (Costumes: RuPaul’s gowns) – Zaldy Goco – Winner! 
Saturday Night Live , Host: Natalie Portman – Tom Broecker, Eric Justian
Tracey Ullman’s Show, “Episode 1” – Helen Woolfenden, Emma Burnand, Claudia Bassi

 

For the full list of nominations head here.

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2018 Emmy Nomination Wish List

11 Jul

Emmy nominations are just a day away! But before the cheers and jeers after the names have been read, here is a rundown of who I would love to see among the nominees tomorrow. Some are definite locks, some are long shots; all turned in amazing performances. I have tried to keep it to one pick per show — with some obvious exemptions — and separated them into drama, comedy and mini-series.

Obviously this is my list and so some of your faves might not feature. There is just too much TV. And I’ve probably also forgotten a performance I love. But these are the ones that have stuck with me.

Drama Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys – The Americans

No shocker here. They have been first on the list on my Emmy nomination wish list since I started this annual tradition, there was no way they weren’t going to be first for this one last time. The final season delivered in every single way, right down to the devastating finale.

Both Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys gave a weekly master class in how to say so much, often without barely saying a word. The things these actors do with the silence. Or a gasp. For that moment alone, Keri Russell should be taking home the very pointy trophy. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer – Killing Eve

Again, I can’t just choose one. There is something so magnetic about Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, both when they are facing off against each other and as part of the cat-and-mouse game. Killing Eve is one of the best new shows of the year; Oh and Comer are integral to keeping the narrative grounded when the action gets a bit more outlandish.Thandie Newton – Westworld

Maeve’s hunt for her daughter gave Thandie Newton the chance to show both vulnerability and fierceness in equal measure. Westworld is a show that I admire more than I love, but anytime Newton is on screen I feel less like the show is holding me at arm’s length. Maeve makes me care about the fate of these beings, more than simply intrigued about the puzzle element of Westworld.  Yvonne Strahovski – The Handmaid’s Tale 

There are many standout moments from Yvonne Strahovski on season 2 of The Handmaid’s Tale; the one I can’t stop thinking about isn’t from the roster devastating scenes where her face crumples or she actively partakes in this oppressive system. Instead it is the moment in “Smart Power” as they drive through the streets of Canada; this is the world how it was. A flicker of sadness at how her life used to be. Serena Joy attempts to act defiant while in Canada, to show she is unashamed and yet embarrassment is hard to hide when these reminders lurk at every elevator.

Serena Joy is complicit, but Yvonne Strahovski’s performance makes it hard not to feel some level of empathy. As with Serena Joy in that car, it is hard to look away.  Vanessa Kirby – The Crown 

Withering looks, the perfect put down; I need Vanessa Kirby to show me how to get this level of sardonic perfection. But there is the other side to Margaret, the cracks in the facade. The loneliness and bitter feelings, the desperate desire to be loved. I am going to miss Kirby as the Queen’s little sister (even if I cannot wait to see what HBC brings to the table). No one smokes cigarettes quite as sulkily as Kirby.Sarah Steele – The Good Fight

From the first time I saw Sarah Steele in Please Give it was love. And I am so happy that she made the move from The Good Wife to The Good Fight. The second season perfectly captured the mood of this turbulent political time; Marissa managed to be the voice of reason, humor and major scene-stealer who kept her head when shots were fired.

 

Comedy

Bill Hader – Barry

For the Macbeth moment alone, which I realize should be filed under “quietly devastating” rather than hilarious. But I can’t stop thinking about it. Never has this play made me feel quite like I have been punched in the stomach.

There are many other very funny moments though, in which Bill Hader’s comic timing is pretty much perfection. As he tries to spill his innermost demons and everyone seems to think he is referring to acting. Also the whole wearing an outfit that Barry saw on a J. Crew mannequin is one of the best costume moments of the year.  Zazie Beetz – Atlanta 

Season 2 of Atlanta is a gift. I could pick the entire regular cast, but I am going to single out Zazie Beetz for her work in “Helen.” As with a lot of “Robbin’ Season” there is something disorientating about the episode. They are in an entirely different location, pretty much everyone is in traditional German dress. There are actual demons. But ultimately it is about this central paring; Earn can’t give Van what she desires. He is getting in his own way. To see this relationship disintegrate over the space of half an hour highlights just how good Atlanta is as well as giving Beetz the chance to shine in Van’s disappointment.Betty Gilpin and Alison Brie – GLOW

Emmy voters will be looking at season 1 of GLOW, but it probably doesn’t harm the show’s chances that season 2 has just landed. Both Betty Gilpin and Alison Brie give standout performances as they grapple with their friendship fallout, the betrayal and having to work together. When Ruth asks Debbie if she wants to get a drink after the bitterness has cooled, the response that they might never be back at this place is a gut punch. And one that makes so much sense. It isn’t that easy to fix this.

Also the physicality of their work on GLOW is incredible.Yael Grobglas – Jane the Virgin 

Mid-way through writing these comedy dream Emmy noms and I realize every single one has made me cry. But those are my fave kinds of comedies; the ones that make you feel all the feelings. Petra has been on a journey; on this season of Jane the Virgin she has softened, let herself be vulnerable and found love with JR (Rosario Dawson). This is one of several very good bisexuality storylines on TV this year and this essay by Caroline Framke on how bisexuality is no longer a TV punchline is very good.Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 

Again, I love a comedy performance that also makes me weep. I recently rewatched the finale of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and these were tears of joy. Rachel Brosnahan talks at one hundred miles per hour, but every word is worth paying attention to. And she is damn hilarious. Oh, and I would very much like all of her coats. Please and thank youThe Alvarez Family – One Day at a Time

Don’t make me pick one member of the Alvarez family, instead Rita Moreno, Justina Machado, Isabella Gomez and Marcel Ruiz are all here. Again, this show makes me cry a lot. And laugh. It is the perfect show for these times; it gets to the heart of working class issues as well as immigration, depression and sexuality. It is also hilarious.

 

Mini-SeriesCody Fern – American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

There are a number of standouts in the second American Crime Story; Darren Criss dazzled, Queen Judith Light broke me in two as she took her makeup off, but it is relative newcomer Cody Fern that I want to single out. Over just a few episodes Fern crafted a performance that gave so much life to David Madson before his tragic death. Often in true crime it is the killer that gets the spotlight, the victims are just a footnote (see People v. OJ) and while this is clearly Andrew’s story, the time spent with Andrew coupled with Fern’s nuanced turn means David is more than just a name on a list.

A lot of it is conjecture as we’ll never know what happened in those days, but thankfully the show reinforces Madson’s innocence after the initial police investigation did the opposite. Sarah Gadon – Alias Grace 

Sarah Gadon gives a captivating and magnetic turn as Grace Marks. Nothing is quite as it seems and I am in awe of everything Gadon does in this mini-series that wasn’t talked about as much as it should have been. Instead it is another Margaret Atwood adaptation that gets all the plaudits. There is enough awards love to share between the two. Taylor Kitsch – Waco 

So it turns out I have been getting Waco and Jonestown mixed up, so while this wasn’t about drinking the Kool-Aid (or its cheaper alternative) there is something about Taylor Kitsch as David Koresh that has me buying into the whole thing. Was Waco too sympathetic toward the cult leader? Perhaps. But Kitsch delivered on the magnetic charm of things and the show made sure that neither side was painted as the innocent party. He also somehow makes serial killer specs and that mullet work.Kyle MacLachlan – Twin Peaks: The Return

This time last year was spent obsessing over Twin Peaks. Part of that was trying to figure out when the real Agent Dale Cooper would show up. Kyle MacLachlan had several different characters to play throughout the return of Twin Peaks; all completely different from the other. Give this guy the Emmy he deserves.

 

Emmy nominations will be announced tomorrow by Samira Wiley and Ryan Eggold at 11.30 am EST. The Emmy Awards will be hosted Monday, September 17.

 

 

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Emmy Roundtable Season 2018 is Here!

23 May

My favorite time of the year! Yep, Emmy roundtable season. Movie award season stretches for months, well so does the TV equivalent—yes there is crossover come the Golden Globes. And end of year discussions also revolve around the best TV. But for now let’s bask in the FYC Emmy coverage, which has been going on for the last few weeks. However, the first Hollywood Reporter cover feels like the official kickoff.

The first image was released yesterday on World Goth Day, appropriately enough considering the style aesthetic. The drama actress cover tends to go in one of two ways; pastels/muted tones or black/white. Coven instead of bridesmaids (never forget this perfect Kirsten Dunst Insta). Squad goals indeed.

Fully leaning into the dark and serious palette is fine by me. Sandra Oh is the outfit MVP and Villanelle would very much approve of this look.Featured this year is Thandie Newton (Westworld), Claire Foy (The Crown), Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), Angela Bassett (9-1-1), Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) and Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Deuce). A fantastic line-up, but my one quibble is the lack of Keri Russell considering how incredible she has been on this (and every) season of The Americans. The last time she appeared on this cover was in 2014, as this is the final season of The Americans it is shame she doesn’t get to take center stage here.

This one is always such a thoughtful, insightful conversation. The Times Up movement is something that isn’t discussed, which I found surprising considering how front and center it has been, particularly during award season. Some other weighty topics including equal pay are broached. Claire Foy found herself at the center of and you can tell it still makes her uncomfortable. As she mentions, money is not something that is often discussed in such a public way in the UK. Maggie Gyllenhaal tells the story of an important moment for her as a producer on The Deuce when she fought for an orgasm that sounded real from her character. Gyllenhaal is someone I have long admired and this make me love her even more.

Sandra Oh while mentioning her post Grey’s spell is super honest about her reaction to reading the Killing Eve script which tells you everything you need to know about what she is used to getting sent:

“You’ve talked about reading the initial pilot script for Killing Eve and scrolling through quite a bit of it before you realized you were being asked to play the central storyteller. Why do you think that is, and what did you learn from that realization?

OH That moment was a real punch in the gut for me because the internalization [that I couldn’t be seen as the lead] was really deep. I get the script, I’m on the phone with my agent, I remember exactly where I was, right by BAM in Brooklyn, and I’m going, “Scrolling, scrolling” (scans her phone). I’m just like, “I don’t know, who am I playing? What’s the part?” [My agent] goes, “Eve! You’re playing Eve.” Something happened to me in that moment where I couldn’t even see myself [as the central character].

NEWTON You hadn’t given yourself permission.

OH Right. Why didn’t I?

FOY That makes me want to cry.

OH So the fact that [creator] Phoebe Waller-Bridge, BBC America and Sally Woodward Gentle, our producer, said, “Yes, why not this [for me]?” I felt slightly ashamed — and if I can’t see myself in that moment, then other people have that weight as well. And so we need to hold these things up for other people to see.

NEWTON Oh my God, yes.

OH And that’s one of the reasons why I said, “I’m going to take this. I’m gonna leave my life here — I’m going to do everything to make this.”

This is why representation matters. It is also why it is important for these roundtables to not just be six white faces (as they have often been). When the topic of sexuality and getting roles comes up there are very different reactions from each woman with Sandra Oh backing up Angela Bassett’s statement that this has not been her experience, “I’ll echo Angela’s experience. For me, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten any job based on bum bum bum … (motions to her body). As fabulous as it is. (Laughter.)”

How their bodies are portrayed on screen is another insightful moment. Elisabeth Moss notes that in her contract she has to approve any kind of nudity. She has final say over every single frame used.

You can view this clip below.

The full panel will air on SundanceTV July 15.

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Best of the Emmys 2017 Style: Bold Color and Shimmer

18 Sep

Welcome to the second part of TV Ate My Wardrobe’s Emmy coverage and this is brought to you on four hours sleep and a whole lot of Diet Coke (#notspon).

For all things awards, couples, feathers and more head here. In this post we will be lavishing praise on the colorful and metallic looks of the night. AKA my favorite kind of award show sartorial choices.Pleats make for the best all drama posing and Tessa Thompson in rainbow Rosie Assoulin is quite possibly the best look of the entire night. There’s a bonus ’70s feeling about all of this and I am so ready for the Thor press tour.Viola Davis always gives great vibrant color—it was pink in 2016—and this year’s Emmys are no different. A tangerine dream in custom Zac Posen. One of the show highlights was Tituss Burgess in the Westworld sketch and also this jacket is beyond fantastic.Again the Stranger Things teens continue to show most the adult dudes how it is done; wearing designers from Prada to Ted Baker and Balmain. Getting the edge in the best dressed here is Caleb McLaughlin in a purple brocade Garçon Couture jacket. Nicole Kidman won big on the night in more ways than one as she picked up for Best Actress in a mini-series and as producer on Big Little Lies. She was also wearing maybe her best look of a very busy 2017 in red Calvin Klein by Appointment. Also favoring crimson is Issa Rae in custom Vera Wang; I’m not wild about the sleeves but from the back this dress is divine.If you are a regular watched of Gina Rodriguez’s Instagram Stories then you have probably seen her use a pull up bar on her door frame. It took her a few attempts, but she can now work it like a pro and she even did so in this super sexy Naeem Khan frock. And along with Busy Philipps, she very much makes me want to exercise more.Yara Shahidi once again does something different and you can never predict what red carpet direction she will opt for. This time she goes ethereal in Prada.Last year Sarah Paulson wowed in green sequined Prada and she’s gone the sparkly route again in Carolina Herrera. It doesn’t quite deliver the same knockout levels, but I do love the drama of the puffed out sleeves. For my fave silver sequins of the night look no further than Anna Chlumsky in custom Sachin & Babi.

No Way Omg GIF by Emmys - Find & Share on GIPHY

Chlumsky also gave the best reaction to the worst moment and her very ’90s styling on Halt and Catch Fire is every level flashback inducing.Mixing florals and metallics is Queen Regina King in a plunging Galia Lahav Couture gown and those DVANI diamond starburst earrings are making me wish I had pierced ears.Another flaming hot Naeem Khan dress and Laverne Cox is a dripped in silver delight.Kiernan Shipka has been coming to the Emmys since 2010 and this is an instant way to feel old—as pointed out with this helpful visual from Jarett Wieselmen. This Miu Miu gown is simple, elegant and very pretty.Another teen hitting all the right sartorial notes is Millie Bobby Brown in Calvin Klein by Appointment. This gives off a princess vibe without feeling too saccharine.Millennial pink for Samira Wiley in custom Christian Siriano and I love the cut of this gown.Another very different ladysuit from Evan Rachel Wood in striking wide-legged Jeremy Scott for Moschino. She looks like a fabulous ringmaster.

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Best of the Emmys 2017 Style: Awards, Couples and More

18 Sep

Another year, another Emmys and there was not a whole lot to be mad about when it comes to the winners. The same cannot be said for one particular part of the opening.

But, I am here to talk red carpet and for the first post I’m going in reverse with some outfits getting an extra special boost by some hardware, a few moments from the show, feathers, some of our fave couples and some classic black ensembles.

For the best in sparkles and more bold color, head here. No award or speech made me happier than Lena Waithe winning for writing with Aziz Ansari for the Master of None Thanksgiving episode. She is the first black woman to win for writing in a comedy category and in the speech she thanked her LGBTQIA family:

“I see each and every one of you. The things that make us different – those are our superpowers. Every day when you walk out the door and put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world, because the world would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it. And for everybody out there that showed us so much love for this episode, thank you for embracing a little Indian boy from South Carolina and a queer black girl from the South Side of Chicago.”

Waithe always gives great ladysuit and this custom Alba is incredible. In other Emmy firsts; Donald Glover is the first black person to win in the comedy directing category. And Ira Madison III has written about why we should we way beyond these diversity milestones in 2017. He also deservedly won in the acting category for Atlanta and was also the best dressed guy of the night in purple Gucci.

Oh and he also gave the best “we’re pregnant” announcement while accepting his second award of the night.

This is also a very special and also super swoony photo. Sterling K. Brown won for Best Actor in a drama and he was giving a great speech until he got cut off. Luckily he got to continue backstage and finish what he started. Looking super suave while doing so. The Handmaid’s Tale was one of the big winners of the night scoring actress, supporting and guest star (which Alexis Bledel won last week). They all look lovely and Elisabeth Moss’ Prabal Gurung has the all important pocket factor.

Ann Dowd gave one of the loveliest speeches and I am also feeling a lot of things thanks to this Justin Theroux’s Instagram post. Yes I am pretending she also won this for The Leftovers.Three Queens getting their rightful standing O.Sparkly tuxedo delights for Rachel Bloom as she performed and she really needs to host this thing.On the red carpet Rachel Bloom wore Gucci and mentioned that she bought it herself. Again, it is very dumb that a lot of designers don’t cater for actresses who are not a sample size. Bloom looks great and she mentioned that she can afford it. And yet it is still a frustrating part of this whole awards circus.There were a lot of feathers this year and while some were sadly a big miss, everything about Zoë Kravitz in Dior is divine. From every single angle of this dress is different and amazing.

And such a great night for Big Little Lies.Keri Russell gives great witchy vibes in ostrich feathered J. Mendel—I do prefer her red J. Mendel look from the previous night—and alas, it was another awardless Emmys for The Americans.

But at least Russell and Matthew Rhys have each other so they have already won, really. Next year. Otherwise that gif from the pilot is getting used again. Tiers of black and white tulle for Mandy Moore in Carolina Herrera and this is where a bold pink lipstick really works wonders.Judith Light, always.They were an Emmy couple fave last year and while Orphan Black missed the nomination window, last year’s winner Tatiana Maslany was on hand to present this year and I love everything about her very classic Reem Acra gown. The blue GLAAD ampersand pin is available here.

Maslany and Tom Cullen also gave great pre-Emmys and a nod to last year.

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Best of the Pre 2017 Emmy Awards Parties 

17 Sep

Happy Emmy Awards Day! Tonight is the big event, but first there are a lot of pre parties with FX, BAFTA and Variety among those celebrating the nominees.

This has been a very busy couple of weeks for red carpet style and come back tomorrow morning when we will be showcasing the best looks from the Emmy red carpet. The biggest trends so far are bold prints, pants and shimmer.More ruffled J. Mendel delights and Keri Russell’s red frock is giving off some ’70s vibes, which I am of course here for. Matthew Rhys mixes casual in jeans and white sneakers with a blazer and while I don’t think it is going to happen, I would love to see them both win tonight.But if Rhys is going to get beaten by anyone, then I hope it is Sterling K. Brown. And here is Brown with wife Ryan Michelle Bathe looking all kinds of couple goals. Hoping for some A+ Insta material from this pair tonight.IRL bestie of Sterling K. Brown and Atlanta star Bryan Tyree Henry delivers sartorially with some fabulous snake slippers and palm tree print shirt.Lakeith Stanfield in a leather shirt is amazing, but also I would very much like those shoes for myself. FX really is home to some of the most stylish casts, as this party proves.
Dreamy swoony sighs because Stanley Tucci is wearing a three-piece suit. Switching out her very Carrie Bradshaw Delpozo for this dream of print Valentino dress and this might be the most Mad Men thing I’ve seen Kiernan Shipka in—aside from her Sally Draper costumes. Alison Pill goes classic in black and red in a less ’50s version of this Elisabeth Moss ensemble.Holy pattern, Martha! I am in love with everything about this Alison Wright ladysuit take.Tween and teen boys continue to outshine the grown-ups and Stranger Things’ Noah Schnapp in custom Laboratoire is doing just that. Florals and velvet is always going to be a winner. Queen Judith Light crushing it in pants and matching blouse in an outfit that wouldn’t look out of place in the recent (and underrated) Man from U.N.C.L.E. movie.And at the Variety party, Judith Light looks fucking fabulous in a gold ladysuit. Bowing down, forever.More metallic wonders and Viola Davis in sequin and floral Alice + Olivia with a black top is pre-party chic at its best. Tracee Ellis Ross in leopard print and that lipstick is enough to make me ignore the random tassels at the bottom of this Michael Kors Collection dress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZF9d2JDwLy/?taken-by=traceeellisross

I love her.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZIOkgYlO76/?taken-by=traceeellisross

Also, every flame and heart eye emoji ever.This is a great print dress and the only thing I would change about Abbi Jacobson’s look is the boots. Not that there is anything wrong with boots and a dress—it is my go to—but I’d opt for something a little more ankle/less calf length and possibly a darker color. Or my fave green ones.Claire Foy is looking very un-Queen Elizabeth as she turns her attention to Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; lipstick and hair are a darker shade and this Gucci is goth whimsy. I always do a double take with Vanessa Kirby because she looks nothing like Margaret IRL—even though I saw her looking a lot like this in The Hour long before The Crown. Going for the opposite approach to her screen sister and the length combined with the bell sleeves gives a strong ’60s vibe.
More from The Crown cast looking very different to how they do on the show and also a whole lot of feelings because I’m still not over Jared Harris’ devastating performance. Also that flash of pink is delightful and this looks like a fun cast to party with. Someone make this rom-com.

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Thoughts on the 2017 Emmy Costume Design Nominations (Updated to Include Winners)

14 Jul

The Emmy nominations were the usual mix of joy, disbelief, bewilderment and disappointment and quite a few people from my dream picks had their name read out. But not enough. The lack of Leftovers nominations was not a surprise (oh hey, Ann Dowd representing this incredible show), but it is still maddening. At least Queen Carrie Coon did get *a* nomination.

There are already plenty of hot takes and reactions to what did and didn’t get recognized with Vox’s Caroline Framke giving my fave analysis and Libby Hill’s Leftovers article being pretty much the perfect reaction.

As is now tradition, I am here to take a look at which shows got nominated for costume design. For thoughts and previous winners from 2015 and 2016 click on those years.As with last two years there are separate categories for period/fantasy, contemporary and variety/non-fiction/reality. We also already know which episodes have been submitted and some of my favorite costumes from the year are included.

Of course there are shows/costume designers that have not been nominated, which I would’ve loved to see get recognition for costume design. Katie Irish for The Americans as she balances numerous disguises including an airline pilot and flight attendant and the Jennings at home. Irish does this all without screaming the ’80s at us. The episode Irish submitted also includes one of my favorite all time disguises and glasses influencer.  Also from the long list there is also Mari-An Ceo for the Bonnie and Clyde episode of Timeless and Laura Jean Shannon work on Good Girls Revolt. Yes I am still sad this show is cancelled. You can see the full list of shows submitted for the initial nomination process here.

I am thrilled to see Ane Crabtree up for The Handmaid’s Tale and we have been obsessed with Crabtree’s work since we started covering Masters of Sex, way back when. Also very excited to see Alix Friedberg nominated for Big Little Lies especially it is the finale with all the Audreys that has been submitted. And in finally getting recognized news; RuPaul’s Drag Race received a total of nine nominations including costume design!

Two of last year’s winners are nominated again and they are now in the same category; both are for different shows than their previous wins. Game of Thrones is not nominated this year (because it hasn’t aired yet) and Michele Clapton switches fantasy for period with The Crown. Lou Eyrich keeps with the Ryan Murphy team, but is nominated for Feud instead of American Horror Story. It is also interesting to note that both previous winners are up for projects based on real life figures. This category is truly stacked.

If Lou Eyrich does win, this will be her fourth triumph in a row.

One show that straddles categories is This is Us with both period and contemporary featuring. The episode submitted is the season finale, which does feature both flashback and present day and opting for the contemporary category obviously worked for them. But it is actually the period costumes that are my favorite.*

*Update! 

So the point I raised above was indeed an issue for the episode This is Us submitted and their nomination was revoked due to the rule that at least 51 precent of screen time must include contemporary costuming from a period of time covering the last 25 years. The episode “Moonshadow” had more than the allotted amount and House of Cards replaces This is Us in the contemporary category.

The full list of costume design nominations are here and congratulations to all on this list!Period/ Fantasy Costumes for a Series, Limited Series, or Movie

The Crown, “Wolferton Splash” – Michele Clapton, Alex Fordham, Emma O’Loughlin & Kate O’Farrell WINNER!
Feud: Bette and Joan, “And the Winner Is…” – Lou Eyrich, Hannah Jacobs & Katie Saunders
Genius, “Einstein: Chapter Seven” – Sonu Mishra, Martina Hejlová & Petia Krckova
The Handmaid’s Tale, “Offred (Pilot)” – Ane Crabtree & Sheena Wichary
Westworld, Trish Summerville, “The Original” – Lynda Foote & Jo Kissack FolsomContemporary Costumes for a Series, Limited Series or Movie

Big Little Lies, “You Get What You Need” – Alix Friedberg, Risa Garcia & Patricia McLaughlin WINNER!
Empire, “Light in Darkness” – Paolo Nieddu, Jennifer Salim & Mary Lane
Grace and Frankie, “The Art Show” – Allyson B. Fanger, Heather Pain & Lori DeLapp
House of Cards, “Chapter 61” – Johanna Argan, Kemal Harris, Jessica Wenger and Steffany Bernstein-Pratt
This is Us, “Moonshadow” – Hala Bahmet, Marina Ray & Elinor Bardach
Transparent, “To Sardines and Back” – Marie Schley, Hannah Schneider & Leslie HermanCostumes for Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Programming 
Dancing with the Stars, “Halloween Night” – Daniela Gschwendtner, Steven Norman Lee, Polina Roytman, Karina Torrico & Howard Sussman
Hairspray Live!,  Mary Vogt & Carolyn Dessert-Lauterio
Portlandia, “Carrie Dates a Hunk” – Amanda Needham, Jayme Hansen & Jordan Hamilton
RuPaul’s Drag Race, “Oh. My. Gaga!” -Zaldy Goco & Perry Meek WINNER!
Saturday Night Live, “Host: Emily Blunt” – Tom Broecker & Eric Justian

For the full list of Emmy nominations head here.

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2017 Emmy Nomination Acting Wish List

12 Jul

It is almost here! Emmy nomination day is tomorrow (Thursday, July 13) and as has become tradition here is a rundown of who I would love to see getting recognized by the Television Academy.

Every year this wish list keeps on growing and of course there are some repeat names featured. Some previous staples are not featured due to missing the window of eligibility including last year’s Best Actress in a Drama winner, Tatiana Maslany. Maslany is crushing this final season of Orphan Black and while it is unlikely, hopefully memories will last that long so she is included next year.

As with the 2016 wish list, I have split this into drama, mini-series and comedy and includes a mix of locks, first timers and outside bets. In this time of Peak TV there is no time to watch everything so if your fave is not included this might be why.

DramaKeri Russell and Matthew Rhys

Kicking off as I have done each of my previous wish lists with Americans leads Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. The big surprise of last year was not having to use the gif for when they didn’t nominated, as voters came on through by finally recognizing the incredible performances Russell and Rhys give on a weekly basis.

Season 5 of The Americans was more introspective as the action turned inward dealing with the toll of spy life and the things Rhys and Russell do with their faces when there is no/minimal dialogue constantly has me in awe. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for this pair of spies and a surprise wedding delivered a much needed romantic respite. Plus it is good to see a wedding with crowns that doesn’t end in murder. Carrie Coon and Justin Theroux (and the rest of The Leftovers cast)

As with Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, the things Carrie Coon and Justin Theroux do with their face parts is astounding on every level. This final season of The Leftovers delivered the love story aspect I was hoping for and incredible performances we have come to expect from this exceptional cast. It is why this is the third year I have been hoping to see this show get recognized.

Carrie Coon gif at the ready for if/when it doesn’t.Elisabeth Moss and Samira Wiley 

Keeping with this theme of the best in face parts acting comes Elisabeth Moss and Samira Wiley in The Handmaid’s Tale. Both women crush it in their abilities to wear a mask and then revealing the real devastating emotion of the character. They are pretty much the reason why I sobbed my way through the finale.

Bonus shout out to Samira Wiley because season 4 of OITNB is the one that voters can nominate and she should def get one for once again turning me into a chin quiver wreck. Also her smile lights up the screen like no other.Sterling K. Brown and Ron Cephas Jones 

A lot of TV makes me cry as you can tell from the previous entry, but I’m pretty sure that This is Us wins the prize for episode that made me ugly cry the most. Taking a break from the Pearson family drama to go on a road trip with Randall and his dying father William; “Memphis” showcases the talents of both Sterling K. Brown and Ron Cephas Jones. Christine Baranski 

After the disappointing end of The Good Wife I wasn’t sure if I wanted more from this world. And then I remembered how much I love Diane Lockhart and how much fun this show could be without the Alicia baggage (looking at you Peter). And it is fun! Christine Baranski steps into the lead position and of course she is as amazing as Diane’s collection of fancy blazers and statement necklaces. Claire Foy and Jared Harris

The Crown gives great Royal family dramz and even though Liz has to maintain a sense of decorum, it is very fun seeing throw stuff at husband when he is being terrible (my alt name for this show is Shut Up, Philip). Foy is great at both aspects and I’m throwing in Jared Harris into the nomination wish list hat for his impact in such a small amount of screen time. And yes he made me sob, which is maybe a prerequisite for a lot of this wish list.

Mini-SeriesBig Little Lies Cast – Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz and Reese Witherspoon

Months after and I am still thinking about Big Little Lies and I would love to see these women dominate the mini-series acting categories.

The scene at the top of the stairs in the finale is another great example of communicating with no words and the bonus Audrey Hepburn getup factor adds something to this scene. Also got to give them props for all the delicious gifs they have given us. Reactions for all scenarios.

BTW – I swear I am not basing this list on how much I use a gif from something, but if I did BLL would win every category. Even ones they can’t be nominated in.Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange 

Jessica Lange gets the showier part of the two in Feud and considering a lot of time is dedicated to whether Bette or Joan has the best material; it feels kinda meta talking about these performances in this way. Best dramatic use of a cigarette and sunglasses definitely goes to Susan Sarandon though. Carrie Coon and Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Season 3 of Fargo didn’t really come together until the last few episodes, but Carrie Coon had a great standout moment early in the season when she traveled to California as part of the investigation. She really does give fabulous hotel/motel staying.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead got to show off her survival skills once again (see both BrainDead and 10 Cloverfield Lane for more) and if it wasn’t for these two women I would’ve probably quit this season early on.

ComedyPhoebe Waller-Bridge 

One thread running through most of this comedy acting wish list is that the star(s) of the show is also the creator. This adds a personal element to the material, which I guess I am drawn to.

First up Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Fleabag, which delivered on smut, laughs, great lipstick and yep, you guessed it, tears. I am nothing if not consistent. Donald Glover and Zazie Beetz

Atlanta is like nothing else on TV right now and one example of this is the relationship between Earn and Van. Exes who go out for dinner – in an episode which showed just how difficult dinner out can be on a budget – sleep over and are raising a daughter together. The spotlight shines on Zazie Beetz in one of the episodes of this very good season; focusing on Van, her career and a drug test mishap. Issa Rae

Like I said, it is a really great year for the multi-hyphenates and Issa Rae’s Insecure is another strong example of this trend. Also giving another different perspective on relationships and the fuck ups we make along the way and Rae shines in the friendship aspects (even when they’re in a fight), career struggles and why a couch is sometimes much more than somewhere to sit and watch TV.Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe 

It might be because I have friends who are in Italy right now so Instagram is awash with great food and architecture pics or that season 2 of Master of None started here, but all I want to do is go to Italy and eat pasta right now.

Season 2 had Aziz Ansari mixing things up including a stellar episode about modern dating and the Thanksgiving spectacular that dealt with Denise’s coming out story based on Lena Waithe’s experiences.

One other standout moment was a scene in “The Dinner Party” that played to the entirety of Marc Almond’s “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” with Dev sitting in the back of the car. It was mesmerizing in ways I didn’t expect. Rachel Bloom

Songs of a different kind and I can’t tell you how often I get “Period Sex” stuck in my head.

Rachel Bloom once again gifts us with so many great tracks including “The Math of Love Triangles,” “So Maternal,” “We Tapped That Ass,” “Remember That We Suffered,” “It Was a Shit Show” and “Friendtopia.” And this season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend shattered the love triangle (miss you, Greg), explored love, friendships and took a deeper dive into Rebecca’s past. Lena Dunham and Matthew Rhys 

This season of Girls was definitely the strongest for Lena Dunham from an acting perspective with the scene between Hannah and Adam in the diner as the standout moment. Again everything that had to be said was done with a look and it was subtly moving.

The two-hander with Matthew Rhys was another highlight and the wolfish grin Rhys gives towards the episode after the incident is wonderfully terrifying. It would be great to see Rhys and Carrie Coon getting double nominations.Gina Rodriguez

Yeah I’m gonna talk about crying again and Jane the Virgin has always caused some waterworks on my end. Season 3 took it to new levels and Gina Rodriguez’s reactions to THAT phone call was especially devastating. But the show didn’t wallow in misery and it was good to see Rodriguez getting to play many different things with Jane this season. DeRon Horton 

While “Chapter V” (directed by Barry Jenkins) is the Dear White People episode standout, it is DeRon Horton as Lionel who gives the performance of the season. Lionel is super shy and trying to fit in; both things we have seen many times, but he is also coming to terms with his sexuality (including being attracted to his roommate) and he doesn’t feel like a character we have seen on TV before. This is important and Horton’s gives a nuanced take of a young black gay man. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney 

The messiness of Sharon and Rob’s relationship hits new heights in season 3 as they keep secrets from the other, giving both Horgan and Delaney new levels to play with. Yes this is another series that had me sobbing and laughing. Kleenex should probs sponsor this blog.

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The Hollywood Reporter 2017 Drama Actress Roundtable is Here!

7 Jun

You can tell we are in peak pre-Emmy nomination season because the interviews they keep on coming and the Hollywood Reporter Drama Actress roundtable is always my most anticipated. As I mentioned earlier today, there is just something different that you get from a conversation that is just between women, which is why I’m happy we get a variety of roundtables from different outlets. This year’s outing is no exception.

There are a lot of big hitters here and veterans of this award season process with one newbie to the whole shebang (as there often is) and Chrissy Metz gets the This is Us place, which actually makes more sense than opting for Mandy Moore.

Not one, but two Big Little Lies ladies and while this initially surprised me you can see why they went with both Reese and Nicole. Oprah is no stranger to this process even if her IMDb credits (as she points out) are less than a lot of the others at this table. Mad Men is no more, but Elisabeth Moss is back and she is probably the front runner in her category for The Handmaid’s Tale. Jessica Lange rounds out the group and as the mini-series/TV movie category is the most stacked it is clear why the THR focus is here.Topics covered include process, the current political landscape and how Hollywood lacks in a variety of roles for women. It is something Nicole Kidman covers in her conversation with Ewan McGregor in their Variety Actors on Actors interview and it is a repeated talking point in these actress roundtables; the roles for women – particularly in – film are limited in scope.

The desire to do Big Little Lies and other such projects came from the small amount of decent parts on offer and Witherspoon forgets to give any more clues as to what terrible script she was offered.

“I started a production company five years ago because I was looking at maybe the worst script I’ve ever read in my entire life and it had two parts for women. I called my agents and said, “This is such a terrible script.” They said, “Well, seven women want it so … you’re the only one who’s not vying for the part.” And I thought, “God, if this is what we’ve come to, I have to get busy.” Because you can either complain about a problem or you can be part of the solution.”

Reese, you are bad at blind items but good at acquiring the rights to interesting books.

Nicole Kidman follows this up with the age old balancing debate; the ‘can I have it all?’ without saying ‘can I have it all?’

“We created the show for that reason. The other thing is, being a woman and having children, there are so many things I would want to do, but so much of my life is, how do I balance that? If I had my fantasy life, there are so many roles and places and things I’d want to do. I’m now at a point where I have to go, “What is that going to cost me? And what is that going to cost the people I love? Do I want to leave now to do this?” Men have that, but they don’t have it in the same way that we have it.”

This could be tired old ground, but it also plays into the same conversations their characters were having on Big Little Lies.

I also love what Reese Witherspoon says about prep time in comparison to her male peers:

“I was talking to this very famous actor and I said, “How did you prepare for this role?” He said, “Well, I went into the woods for three weeks and I didn’t talk to anybody.” And this person has a lot of kids and is married. And he’s like, “You did the same thing for Wild, right?” I was like, “Uh, no.” If I went away for three weeks and no one could call me, everybody would’ve had a mental breakdown. I got on a plane and was shooting within 24 hours. I wish I had prep time. I love the preparation. I love watching and reading and digging deep.”

Obviously she’s not talking about Leo here, but considering how much praise he got for what he ‘endured’ while making The Revenant and the conversation surrounding Wild the previous award season was far less fawning. That’s because Reese did not eat raw liver.

The rest of the conversation is also pretty interesting including why Nicole Kidman through a rock through a window after a tough day filming BLL, why it took Elisabeth Moss so long to say yes to Handmaid’s Tale and when they’ve felt nervous performing. I’m looking forward to seeing the whole thing when it becomes available and this roundtable season begins airing on Sundance, June 25.

One other thing to mention briefly as once again the styling is all about the muted tones and I’m putting it out there now as a prediction that the comedy actresses will be in bold colors. Mix it up, guys. Sadly there is no Kirsten Dunst this year to make bridesmaid observations about the choice of attire.

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Talking Drama with Justin Theroux, Laura Dern, Regina King and Milo Ventimiglia

7 Jun

Emmy roundtable season is well and truly here, aka that time of year when it is easy to fall down a YouTube hole watching all your TV faves talking about your TV faves. The format is different depending on the outlet with The Hollywood Reporter being the go to for the drama actresses, Variety getting the actors to interview each other and Goldderby doing their one-on-one Google Hangout thing. And I am a sucker for them all.

The only Google news alert I have set up happens to be “Emmy Roundtable.” Yes, really. So when I got an email to tell me that the LA Times drama discussion was up I instantly hit the link and was thrilled to see this line-up. Whereas THR separates actors and actress, the LA Times mixes it up and I am glad that both options are available as talking points can be very different. Justin Theroux, Laura Dern, Regina King and Milo Ventimiglia sit down with L.A. Times’ Greg Braxton to talk about the shows they are on as well as a number of other topics such as the potential writers’ strike (this was obviously recorded before the WGA deal was brokered).

There is an obvious rapport between Theroux, Dern and King as they have all worked together before and it gives an extra level of intimacy – see Dern/Theroux replaying a Lynch kiss – to proceedings. Regina King is there to discuss American Crime, but she is also very much part of The Leftovers family and so this also comes into play particularly when discussing co-star Carrie Coon.

They talk process with Milo Ventimiglia pointing to how his prep for the big fight scene in the This is Us finale was different to how he worked with Mandy Moore for the rest of the season, saying goodbye to characters, whether they watch their work and there’s a whole lot of praise for those behind the camera. The latter is something Carrie Coon also mentions in detail in her recent interview with Alan Sepinwall and I am here for this.

Watch the whole thing below.

Also as a style aside, I am very much all the heart eyes at Laura Dern’s polka dots. Because, of course.

Related – Talking about costuming on The Leftovers finale and the love story at the heart of it all.

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