Tag Archives: Big Little Lies

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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A Non-Big Little Lies Season 2 Update and More from Variety’s Drama Discussion

21 Jun

Variety’s ‘A Night in the Writer’s Room’ is more of the kind of pre-Emmy nomination events that I get very excited about and this panel includes a lot of interesting shows (and one that doesn’t quite fit the pattern) covering network, cable and streaming. This in itself brings about the subject of the differences of working across these various platforms as several of these writers have experienced both the more traditional model and recent developments.

Also this is a good time to point out that the excellent Queen Sugar returned last night and Ava DuVernay talks about how this project came about. It includes a trip to Maui and I could listen to DuVernay chatting about this show for a long time.

A potential season 2 of Big Little Lies has been coming up a lot during these Emmy campaigning chats – I’m in agreement with Caroline Framke about why it should be a one and done series – and David E. Kelly is unsurprisingly non-committal saying it is all in the hands of author Liane Moriarty. He does have nothing but love for this entire project and set of characters. He also tells an amusing anecdote about how many pages director Jean-Marc Vallée likes to write with.

Both Mr Robot and Westworld had fans theorizing (and guessing correctly early on) so the question of fans guessing major twists is something that is addressed and whether streaming has an advantage here with how quick it gets consumed.

Watch the panel below.

Emmy nominations will be announced Thursday, July 13.

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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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TV at Cannes: ‘Top of the Lake’ Photocall

23 May

I’m loathe to use #SquadGoals, but the Cannes photocall for Top of the Lake: China Girl is exactly that. The above photo looks so relaxing.And I am fully in love with Gwendoline Christie’s choice of heels that look like a red version of the Black Lodge floor (Twin Peaks  is penetrating all). Just because she’s already tall doesn’t mean she can’t indulge in another few inches. 

All three women are enjoying success with multiple projects including other TV hits such as Nicole Kidman’s Big Little Lies and Elisbeth Moss in The Handmaid’s Tale. Plus Christie has season 7 of Game of Thrones premiering in July. Oh and this amazing new Vanity Fair cover for The Last Jedi. 

Here is the first trailer for Top of the Lake: China Girl.

It is safe to say that this is one of my most anticipated shows of 2017. 

Updated to add this Instagram delight.

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You're welcome:) #Cannes #totlchinagirl

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Hopefully there will be a whole lot more promotion from these ladies. 


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Laura Dern Talks Big Little Lies, Enlightened and Working with David Lynch

16 May

The gap between film and TV award season chatter feels like it gets smaller every year and I am thrilled that this time of year is upon us. To the extent that I even wondered out loud (or rather on Twitter), which Big Little Lies cast member will take part in The Hollywood Reporter’s roundtable discussion.

Another go to source for all things awards is Goldderby and their interview series constantly delivers on in-depth interviews with actors and creatives who might be hearing their names called come nomination day (July 13). This is when I fall down a YouTube hole and the next thing I know it is a couple of hours later; they tend to run around the twenty minute mark and this is pretty much the ideal length for getting sucked in.One of the best shows from this awards year is Big Little Lies and it is one I keep returning to in terms of how much time it is occupying conversations and thought space. Plus I’ve been pretty much listening to the soundtrack on a daily basis. It is also one of the reasons why the mini-series category looks set to be one of the most interesting and while there is talk of a potential second season (this gets touched on in the interview below) it is pretty much perfect as it is. Even though we live in a time when anything can be resurrected it doesn’t mean it should.

Which brings me to this interview with Laura Dern and unsurprisingly Dern is a delight offering up thoughts on why Big Little Lies resonated, everything she loves about playing Renata and working with a lot of the Wild team again. Dern also talks about characters it has been hard saying goodbye too and what she says will likely please fans of Enlightened.

There is also the small matter of teaming up with David Lynch again for the Twin Peaks revival and as I already mentioned any TV show can come back.

Award recognition and what this attention means in terms of the visibility of a project also comes into play especially as there are so many shows to consume right now.

Laura Dern also reminds me that I still need to watch Enlightened and I don’t know why I haven’t done this already.

Look out for more award season chatter on TV Ate My Wardrobe in the next few months.

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Out of the Box: Look of the Week

7 Apr

Award season is never truly over and the GLAAD Media Awards delivers on some fantastic black and white ensembles. Plus a whole lot of stripes, IRL friendships and some heartbreak in this edition of “Out of the Box.”Judith Light serving up her usual red carpet domination thanks to the drama of the shoulders/abs and that fabulous ring at the GLAAD Media Awards.White gowns were on trend for the Transparent cast and Trace Lysette looks fabulous posing with Moonlight writer Tarell Alvin McCraney as he switches out his white Oscar tux for this dashing number. Moonlight won Outstanding Film and Transparent was awarded Outstanding Comedy Series. While we’re on the subject of dashing and Moonlight here is Trevante Rhodes giving great floral and patterned tie at the GLAAD Media Awards.Tatiana Maslany has done the post-show ending hair chop and I love this length on her. Going for a fun spin on the ladysuit with a tee and fancy shoes; plus some pins supporting great causes.

The ‘&’ pin is from GLAAD and was worn by many in attendance. The other is for Planned Parenthood and can be purchased here; there’s a lot of great pins at the moment and ones which raise awareness and funds are even better.

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Conqueror. @tatianamaslany

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In keeping with the Planned Parenthood theme as this tank by Otherwild also includes a donation. This photo was taken by Tatiana Maslany’s Orphan Black co-star Kristian Bruun and is classic casual Maslany. Also her hair continues to look great.More in the co-stars hanging out department with the Mr Robot siblings at the Montblanc and UNICEF gala dinner at the New York Public Library (what a location to have a dinner). Rami Malek takes his shirt game to the next level and once again Ilaria Urbinati gives him a great suit to wear.

I also sometimes forget that Malek and Carly Chaikin aren’t really brother and sister because look at them. Good work Mr Robot casting team.

Big Little Lies is all I can think about (for my deep dive into the Audrey Hepburn costumes head here) and the IRL friendship between Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern is everything. Reese gifted us with four different shots of them on the beach and yes this is my current phone lock screen photo.Sarah Steele makes everything better and I’m so glad they brought Marissa Gold back for the The Good Fight. At the Speech & Debate premiere Steele does the whole casual cool vibe and this is a fun take on stripes that I now definitely want in my closet.

I am very excited about The Handmaid’s Tale adaptation and all the Elisabeth Moss this is going to give us on the promo tour. Not to mention that we’ve got a second Top of the Lake season to look forward to. This Michael Kors ensemble gives great stripes and also showcases how great stylist Karla Welch’s eye is.At Kimmel (not in the outfit she wore on the show) and Jenny Slate is clearly loving her Rachel Comey shoes (the TV Ate My Wardrobe jury is still out). The rest of Slate’s outfit makes me want to drink cocktails somewhere in Cape Cod and I’m also thrilled to see a regular looking shirt after reading this recent Racked piece. And as the Fug Girls like to say; everyone looks hotter in sunglasses.The end of this week’s “Out of the Box” is sponsored by all the feelings and great outfits. Both in Dolce & Gabbana (they are both clients of other stylist fave Ilaria Urbinati) and both fantastic. Anyway, I’m gonna go reread Jada Yuan’s Vulture profile of Slate because it really is the best.

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