Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley says scooping her first win at yesterday’s Academy Awards was a “Cinderella” moment.
The Wellingtonian won Best Costume Design for her work on Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro.
“Like if you were a six-year-old, imagine yourself as a sort of Cinderella,” she told 1News the day after her win.
The gold statue adds to Hawley’s growing list of accolades this season, following her recent success at the BAFTAs, where she also took home Best Costume Design for the same film.
“I feel my cup’s overflowing,” she said.
Hawley was presented with the award by former Vogue editor Anna Wintour and actress Anne Hathaway.
The designer had a memorable interaction with the fashion powerhouse on stage.
“I did that little curtsy to her. It was a little bit tongue in cheek,” Hawley said. “Then Leonardo DiCaprio was looking up. He was laughing.”
Kate Hawley claimed her first Oscar after winning Best Costume Design for her work on Frankenstein. (Source: 1News)
In a short speech, she thanked the Academy for recognising her craft and Frankenstein director Guillermo del Toro.
“I’m not going to cry. Thank you for the vision and for taking us on your journey, it’s been a great privilege to be part of it.”
For Hawley, one of the most meaningful highlights was showcasing fellow Kiwi talent on the global stage.
She wore a custom-designed outfit by New Zealand fashion designer Rory William Docherty, a close friend.
“That was one of the little delicious moments. Seeing Anna Wintour while wearing Rory William Docherty and the three things aligning was kind of amazing,” she said.
Docherty said his goal was simple – to make Hawley feel beautiful and confident.
“The coat is an ebony silk dupion with our iconic painter’s shirt details. There are three ties at the top. It then falls open over an ivory floor-length gown and trails away at the back,” Docherty said.
The design came together in just two weeks – the dress was shipped out to Hawley’s daughter in Sydney, who then carried it with her on a flight out to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
“It was all a bit mad,” he said.
Kate Hawley spoke to Breakfast about yesterday’s triumph and working on Frankenstein. (Source: Breakfast)
‘We never take this recognition for granted’ – Wētā FX team honoured
The night was a whirlwind for other Kiwi creatives as well.
New Zealand-based creative Wētā FX – led by Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett – took home an Oscar for Best Visual Effects for their work on Avatar: Fire and Ash, directed by James Cameron.
“We never take this recognition for granted,” said visual effects supervisor Matt Aitken.
“Even though the work we did was exceptional, perhaps the best visual effects that has ever been done, we cannot assume the Academy will recognise it.”
The team also picked up a BAFTA last month, adding to a growing list of accolades.
Aitken recalled a lighter moment from a previous win, when a flight attendant temporarily took custody of an Oscar mid-flight.
“Dan did not see it again for two and a half hours,” he said.
This time, the team said they will be holding onto their golden statues a little more tightly.