'You know when you’ve hit it'

March 2, 2026

TL;DR

Ruth E. Carter's costume design for 'Sinners' effectively established the identities of the twin characters played by Michael B. Jordan, notably through their hats.
Carter is the most-garlanded Black woman in Oscars history and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Her work on 'Sinners' earned her a fifth Oscar nomination, with the film receiving a record-breaking 16 Oscar nods.
She aimed for authenticity and avoided clichés when designing the costume for the hoodoo priestess Annie in 'Sinners'.
Carter drew inspiration from her own community and historical sources like Eudora Welty's photography for her designs.
A fortunate coincidence involving Marvel's 'Blade' allowed Carter to reuse pre-made costumes for 'Sinners' at a significantly reduced cost.
Her career started with Spike Lee, leading to Oscar nominations for films like 'Malcolm X'.
Carter's work on 'Black Panther' won her her first Oscar, and she also won for 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'.
She emphasizes accuracy and research in her costume designs, while also ensuring they are engaging and fun, as seen in the 'Sinners' collection by Spirit Halloween.
Carter notes Ryan Coogler's attention to detail in fashion, particularly from the 80s and 90s, which influenced the costumes in 'Sinners'.

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