Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1076085
48 The Costume Designer Winter 2019 THE AWARDS COMMITTEE I want to commend the entire Awards Committee. This is the most comprehen- sive committee we have had in years. You all put your heart and soul into this project and the CDG Awards are better off for all your hard work. The commit- tee was truly a cross section of the mem- bership. These are, after all, the Cos- tume Designers Guild Awards, and it is well represented by its members. - President Salvador Perez For as many years as I've been involved with our Awards, specifically, the sub- mission, vetting, and voting process, I can say with certainty, the work is not for the faint of heart! There are chal- lenging decisions to be made as a col- lective group and this year's committee has been the largest, most dedicated group I've had yet. I believe it takes stepping behind the curtain, rolling up your sleeves, and diving in to truly grasp the enormity of the work, and this committee did nothing short of just that. Amazing. Each committee member has my heartfelt gratitude for their tireless work, and passionate contribution. - Suzanne Huntington I think it is important for all to participate in the CDG committees, but as a Board member, I feel it is even more necessary. Over the years, members have discussed their disappointment regarding the awards (lack of categories, projects in the wrong category, etc.). I feel it is my duty to represent the membership by getting more deeply involved into the process and make sure each member feels they are heard, repre- sented, and represented fairly. Over the last few years, we have added and/or expanded the categories to be more inclusive of all our work. We look at every entry to make sure it is in the correct category and where there are questions, many of the group watch the en- tries in question. The information is brought back to the group, and each show is discussed at length. It is incredibly time-consuming, but in the end, we re- ally want to make sure each show is competing in the proper category. There are quite a few that straddle the line between genres and we try so hard to get those where they belong. The discussions really emphasize how subjective our work is. We don't all agree on what the correct genre for a show is and it's so interesting to hear each member's point of view. The best part is see- ing the amazing work our membership does in every platform. We all know the popular projects and, sadly, they get all the attention and acclaim. To really look at all the work out there and see what is happening on all platforms (tier 1 world with a crew of four, streaming shows, video games, music videos, and commercials) is truly inspiring. Our members really pull off the mi- raculous daily. Lastly, I'd like to encourage all mem- bers to pay attention and get involved in 2019! The best way to have your voice heard is to participate. Run for office, join committees, you can make the dif- ference. - Christopher Lawrence Sharing professional thoughts and opinions with the Awards Committee has been great fun! We don't often get the opportunity to work with colleagues and I hope to continue the experience in the future and to con- tinue the new friendships. - Judy Gellman My experience on the committee has been one of the best decisions I made in 2018. I have learned so much from other committee members whom I respect and admire. As a result from my participation, I have con- fidence in my own voice as a Costume Designers Guild Awards Committee member. Change is inevitable, why not be a part of it? - Ashley Heathcock Thank you so much for the opportunity to work on the awards. I learned so much, and met so many wonder- ful new people. It was absolutely invaluable. - Gwyneth Conaway-Bennison There are truly so many amazing designers. For me, it has been a valuable experience to be a part of this process. I was happy to contribute. - Ellen Falguiere Awards Committee: Gwyneth Conaway-Bennison Christine Cover Ferro Ellen Falguiere Jordanna Fineberg Judy Gellman Ami Goodheart Terry Gordon Tricia Gray Ashley Heathcock Suzanne Huntington Eileen Kennedy Christopher Lawrence Bonnie Nipar President Salvador Perez, Committee Chair Dawn Ritz Brigitta Romanov Deme Stavrakas Anna Wyckoff