It’s Oscar time! We had been thinking of doing what everyone else does, a show about the nominees for Best Film, but the field is huge. Instead, we focused on my favorite category: costumes! I kind of feel like this episode is a guilty pleasure, because I really can yap about costumes for hours on end. It’s one of my great passions. Tracy digs ‘em, too, so we had a lot of fun running out to see nominated movies and prepping our notes. I think the hardest thing about this episode was waiting to record it.

-          The rules of Oscar costume nomination

-          Sci-fi and fantasy movies are rarely nominated, and almost never win.

-          Han was the only shooter.

-          Costume nominees are most often historical dramas.

This year’s nominees and our thoughts:

“W.E.”

Yup. King Edward VIII abdicated the throne of England to marry Mrs. Wallace Simpson. It’s quite a story, which is why it was made into a movie.

Designer/nominee: Arianne Phillips

Her previous work includes: “Walk the Line,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Tank Girl”

The need for perfect tailoring on men’s early 20th century suits.

“Jane Eyre”

Designer/nominee: Michael O’Connor

His previous work includes: “Last King of Scotland,” “The Duchess”

Tracy loves Jane. Her favorite version is a 2006 miniseries from Masterpiece Theater.

She originally got angry at this nominated adaptation, but can’t remember why.

I am not the hugest fan of this era of clothing.

I am adamant about foundation garments. You have to have them for period costumes. Period.

Tracy thinks a lot of people don’t notice when costumes merely go beyond good enough.

“Anonymous”

Designer/nominee: Lisy Christl

Her previous work includes: “Caché,” “Funny Games,” “John Rabe”

We say some unkind things about Roland Emmerich and the historical inconsistencies of the plot of “Anonymous.” We also do some cackling.

I go bodice and foundation garment crazy for a little while. Puckers make me cranky. There are so many bodice puckers in this movie, we almost thought it was done on purpose.

This is not a film for children.

We liked the armor and the rich palatte.

“Hugo”

Designer/nominee: Sandy Powell

Her previous work includes: “Shakespeare in Love,” “The Aviator,” “The Young Victoria” (All of these won Oscars.)

Sandy Powell is costuming royalty.

Her “Young Victoria” acceptance speech.

Why I think Sandy Powell is incredible. Her attention to detail informs the viewer and contributes to the story.

A brief aside on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” commentary tracks and costumers making characters look vulnerable.

“The Artist”

Designer/nominee: Mark Bridges

His previous work includes: all Paul Thomas Anderson movies.

His interesting approach to “The Artist” — designing in color, selecting textured textiles and photographing them in black and white to make his selections.

We were charmed, delighted and exhausted watching this movie.

The cut of dresses from the 1920s and the 1930s and how beautifully this movie handles it.

Our picks for likely winners!

My early predictions for next year’s Oscar nominees! Keep your eye out for “Gatsby,” “Snow White and the Huntsman” and yes, even “Mirror, Mirror.”

Tracy reads listener mail from Diane, who rushed out to see “Hugo” in the middle of listening to our podcast about it, which is insanely charming. Diane also raises some interesting ideas about whether or not art is made to be lost. She makes a compelling point about art losing its meaning out of the context of the time it was created.

My research:

• Sandy’s Dandy: In Defense of Sandy Powell, the Blasé Oscar Winner
• The Costumes: An artist behind ‘The Artist’
• Designer Lisy Christl Reacts To Her Oscar Nomination For ‘Anonymous’ Elizabethan Era Costumes
• Lisy Christl, Out of Anonymity

Tracy’s research:

• http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/01/oscars-nominations-2012-hugo-costumes-sandy-powell.html
• http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/fash-track/anonymous-costume-designer-lisy-christl-oscar-anonymous-roland-emmerich-287002
• http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-2012-my-week-marilyn-water-elephants-the-help-costume-274826

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