WCW: Ruth E. Carter
Welcome to my Woman Crush Wednesdays (WCW) where I’ll be celebrating the black women I stan (and you should too).
This week’s WCW is a behind the scenes legend whose name you may not recognize BUT YOU GONE LEARN TODAY!
Her name is Ruth E. Carter and she’s a film and television costume designer who has been referred to as “one of the most innovative and passionate leaders in her craft.”
Black Panther Purple Carpet Premiere
With over 40 film credits in almost 30 years, her incredible resume includes classic black films such as;
Which won her an Oscar nomination, making Ruth the first African American to be nominated for costume design.
And Spike Lee Joints including;
Ruth on set with Spike Lee
As well as modern day groundbreaking films:
And one of my all-time favorites:
Her television work includes;
Other Honors include:
Career Achievement Award at the American Black Film Festival in 2002
2015 Black Women in Hollywood Award from Essence at the 8th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon
And the Costume Designers Guild’s Career Achievement Award in 2018
Ruth, hearing you discuss your intentionality, respect, and attention to detail during the Black Panther featurettes made me a fan but it’s your phenomenal body of work that’s made me an admirer. Your work is so integral to the visual aspects of storytelling in television and film. Yet your contributions are beautiful and damn near flawless. I can’t describe how much you’ve inspired me to act on my personal creativity since first hearing your name a year ago. You’re a creative queen and living legend in the industry that’s had a major impact on my life for 25 years and I appreciate you for sharing your work with the world. Thank you for paving the way for those who have and will come behind you while honoring our ancestors and the continent of Africa with excellent execution. You da real MVP! 👏🏾
