Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1352017
the project's costumes fall into one category, that will be the category for consideration. A project with time-traveling characters could be science fiction or fantasy from a story standpoint but, depending on which era most of its cos- tumes reflect, it could qualify as contemporary or a period piece. Similarly, a contemporary project with historical flashback scenes might qualify as period if the flashback costumes are on screen for more than half the time. Two or more episodes of a television show can be submitted if they qualify for different categories, but only one entry can be submitted per category, per project, in one year. Other projects might appear to be period pieces at first glance. When examined more closely, however, the costumes—while referencing a particular time and place— are really imaginative inventions of the costume designer. Because the emphasis isn't on creating historically accurate garments, but an original interpretation that incorporates elements from any number of sources, the design impera- tive behind the project is vital to categorizing it. "We inter- view the costume designer," Perez says, "in order to find out what their intention was. When we started this awards program 23 years ago, there was only one design category for television and one for film, but we realized that you can't compare a contemporary project to a period or fantasy one, so we split them into genre categories. As our industry grew, so did the amount of amazing work being submitted. Consequently, we've further separated our categories into the eight we have now, with each medium of design being judged separately. Like the entertainment industry, the awards are an evolving organism that we adjust as needed." Of course, entertainment is about pushing boundaries, which means some projects defy categorization. If so, a costume designer can petition the awards committee. "If more people need to watch that project or if experts need to weigh in to make it as fair as we possibly can, then that's what we do," explains Communications Director Anna Wyckoff. Entrants are encouraged to submit their design concepts and make the case for why their project should be considered in a particular category. Furthermore, participa- tion in the awards committee is open to all CDG members. "I really relish the fact that there are new voices joining us on the committee each year," says Perez. "It's helpful when new committee members come in and give us a fresh point of view. That's what makes these committees work. It's open to all, and as costume designers, there are so many nuances to consider that we really rely on each other as we evolve the awards." The Costume Designers Guild Award honors achievement of excellence in costume design in film, television, and short form design. The award is presented solely to the credited costume designers within the eight detailed categories listed below: Excellence in Contemporary Film Excellence in Period Film Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film Excellence in Contemporary Television Excellence in Period Television Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Television Excellence in Variety, Reality-Competition, Live Television Excellence in Short Form Design QUALIFYING PERIOD – IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release eligibility period for film category submissions has been adjusted. All submissions must have aired or had a theatrical release within the following time frames: Film: January 1, 2020 – February 28, 2021 Television & Short Form Design: January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020 WHO CAN SUBMIT: Costume designers can nominate themselves. Agents, studios, and PR departments may also nominate costume designers. Costume designers may not nominate other costume designers. If a designer and a third party both submit the same project, the costume designer's entry will take precedence. SUBMISSION ENTRY INFORMATION: Submission entries and questionnaires must be submitted online in the awards section of the CDG website. A costume designer can submit multiple different projects within the same category. A completed questionnaire is required for each entry. The questionnaire contains details about the project and category for which it is being submitted. Co-Design: In these cases, both designers will be recognized in the submission. An entry is considered a co-design when: a) Two or more costume designers work as a team or co-design. b) A second costume designer is credited for designing a principal. 23rd CDGA Rules for Submission (Continued on next page)