by British costume designer Sandy Powell will receive a Bafta scholarship for the “breathtaking” costumes she has created during her nearly four-decade career in the film industry.
Powell, who won three Baftas and Academy Awards respectively, said she is “hugely flattered” by the accolade and “particularly proud” to be the first costume designer to receive the Bafta’s highest honour.
The 62-year-old said: “I am lucky in that I love what I do and have been extremely lucky to have collaborated with some of the most talented and inspiring people in the industry, both behind and in front of the camera.
“I hope there are many more years to come.”
Previous recipients of the Film Scholarship include Dame Helen Mirren, Charlie Chaplin, Martin Scorsese, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Ang Lee.
Jane Millichip, Chief Executive of Bafta, said: “Sandy Powell is not only a great designer, she is a great storyteller. Her wardrobe is mesmerizing because of the beauty of it, but she also brilliantly interprets the narrative and provides the infrastructure for the character.
“For more than three decades, Sandy has raised awareness of the art of costume design in film and provided attention to designers on the spot.
“We look forward to honoring Sandy’s work this month at our EE Bafta Film Awards and working with her over the next year to inspire the next generation of costume designers and storytellers.”
Powell, born in London, began making clothes at a young age and rose to fame for her work in the period drama Orlando, directed by Sally Potter, which earned her first Bafta and Academy Award nominations for best costume design
In 1998, Todd Hayne’s Velvet Goldmine earned Powell his first Bafta award before he won his first Oscar for John Madden’s Shakespeare In Love, made that same year.
Powell has been a frequent collaborator with directors like Haynes and Scorsese, which led to her winning her second Academy Award for The Aviator.
In 2009, Powell starred opposite Jean-Marc Vallee in The Young Victoria, winning her second Bafta and third Academy Award before earning her third Bafta for The Favorite 10 years later.
Other notable credits that have earned him Bafta and Academy Award nominations include The Irishman, Cinderella and Mary Poppins Returns.
He recently worked on Oliver Hermanus’ Living, starring Bill Nighy, and Marc Webb’s Snow White, which is currently in post-production.
Powell will receive the scholarship as part of a special commemoration of his work during a ceremony at the Southbank Center’s Royal Festival Hall on February 19.
