Alexandra Byrne
Alexandra Byrne | |
---|---|
Born | 1962 (age 61–62) |
Nationality | British |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1995–present |
Spouse | [1] |
Children | 4[2] |
Alexandra Byrne (born 1962) is an English costume designer and set designer. Much of her career has focused on creating costumes for period dramas. These films include Persuasion (1995), Hamlet (1996), Elizabeth (1998), Finding Neverland (2004), The Phantom of the Opera (2004), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), The Aeronauts (2019), and Emma.[a] (2020). She has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design six times, winning once for Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
Since 2011, Byrne has also designed the costumes for many films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Thor (2011), The Avengers (2012), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Doctor Strange (2016), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).
Life and career
[edit]Early life
[edit]Byrne was born in Hampshire, and grew up amidst many artistic influences. She was raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the Royal Shakespeare Company is based. She would later tell an interviewer that her career in theatre design was predestined,[4] and she began by studying architecture with the intention of building sets in theatre.[5][6] She encountered costume design when studying theatre design with the English National Opera. She later said, "I worked in the theatre for quite a few years, doing costume and set design. In England, it's very much both."[6] She also trained with the Motley Theatre Design Course.[7]
Byrne oversaw scenery and costumes for the 1989 comedy play Some Americans Abroad.[8][9] Her work earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Scenic Design.[10] Despite her success, she was unsure if she would focus on set design or costume design. She decided on the latter when she was working on a television project for the BBC's Shakespeare series. Byrne said, "I was assisting a costume designer who was fantastic with fabric. It was with her that I actually thought, 'This is what it's all about. This is what I want to do'".[6]
In 1993, Byrne created the costumes for all four parts of the TV serial The Buddha of Suburbia starring Naveen Andrews.[11][12] For her costume work in the production, she received a nomination at the British Academy Television Awards.[13]
Period films (1995–2007)
[edit]Byrne's first encounter with period costume dramas began when she was hired to create the costumes for the BBC film Persuasion. The production was an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Jane Austen, and featured Amanda Root as Anne Elliot.[4][14] Byrne had also worked with the film's director, Roger Michell, on Some Americans Abroad and The Buddha of Suburbia.[8][15] For her work in Persuasion, Byrne won the British Academy Television Award for Costume Design.[16] The following year, Byrne created the costumes for the 1996 film Hamlet directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh,[11] with whom she had previously worked on Life of Napoleon.[17] She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.[18][19]
In 1998, Byrne served as the costume designer for the feature film Elizabeth, which starred Cate Blanchett as the last Tudor monarch.[20] It featured high production values despite a limited budget.[21] Director Shekhar Kapur discouraged historical research on Byrne's part, instead favouring clothing that focused on emotion.[22] As a result, Byrne primarily designed costumes emphasising the theatrical rather than the historically accurate.[21] When analysing the film, the scholar Bethany Latham stated that the production's silhouettes were "understated and barely Elizabethan," as they were not meant to distract from the film's plot among viewers.[21] For Elizabeth, Byrne earned her second Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.[1]
Byrne oversaw the costumes for the 2004 film Finding Neverland starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet.[4] After completing it, Byrne said that when she worked on "a period film, however conceptual a piece it is, I research the period completely so that I absolutely know it. There were photographs from the first production of Peter Pan and of the Llewelyn Davies family".[5] That year, Daily Variety reported that Byrne's "previous two Oscar noms make her a known commodity",[23] and she again garnered a nomination for Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards.[24]
Also in 2004, Byrne designed the costumes for the film The Phantom of the Opera.[25] As research, she studied relics of the era such as paintings and original clothing. Her visits to Paris also gave her inspiration. As her ideas developed and were discussed with the filmmakers, they were placed on a "mood board" of visuals for her to reference. She eventually created 300 original costumes for the main characters, and produced at least 2,000 additional costumes for those in the background.[26]
In 2007, Byrne designed the costumes for Elizabeth's sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age, also starring Blanchett. As the sequel was set 27 years later, Byrne sought to create costumes for a confident queen "who has found her stride and established her style". Kapur did not feel Elizabeth: The Golden Age had to be historically accurate, giving Byrne the freedom to make his film "look very different, much lighter, with a more feminine court".[20] For her costume design work in the film, Byrne was again nominated for the Academy Award, this time winning.[1][27]
Marvel films (2011–2016)
[edit]Since 2011, much of Byrne's career has focused on films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her first contribution to the franchise, Thor (2011), resulted when she was hired by the film's director, Kenneth Branagh.[4][28] She had also worked with Branagh on previous productions such as Hamlet (1996)[29] and Sleuth (2007).[30] Byrne took inspiration from the Thor comics and the artwork of Jack Kirby, which she described as "amazing".[31] She later said that for Thor's character, "it's all about his arms".[32] After Thor, Byrne's next Marvel project was the 2012 film The Avengers, where she oversaw a team of over 60 people.[33]
She followed The Avengers with Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, which she described as having a "very retro, pulpy feel".[32] As with Thor, Byrne found much of her inspiration from the comics.[28] The production's main actor, Chris Pratt, was hired before he had lost enough body weight, forcing Byrne to anticipate what his physical form would become.[28] When describing Pratt's character Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, Byrne said he "was all about the swagger, but without vanity" and designed a red jacket for him that was heavily treated cotton, though it looked like real leather.[32] Her next project, Avengers: Age of Ultron, arrived in cinemas in May 2015.[32]
Byrne is the costume designer for the 2016 Marvel film Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch,[34] which began shooting in November 2015 at Pinewood-Shepperton studios in the UK.[35][36] For Strange's famous Cloak of Levitation, Byrne estimated that twelve different versions were completed by a team of designers. She sought to incorporate subtle details while avoiding making it "over-embellish[ed] and decorative".[37]
Personal life
[edit]Byrne married English actor Simon Shepherd in 1980.[citation needed]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]Year | Title | Director |
---|---|---|
1996 | Hamlet | Kenneth Branagh |
1998 | Elizabeth | Shekhar Kapur |
2001 | Captain Corelli's Mandolin | John Madden |
2004 | Finding Neverland | Marc Forster |
The Phantom of the Opera | Joel Schumacher | |
2007 | Elizabeth: The Golden Age | Shekhar Kapur |
Sleuth | Kenneth Branagh | |
2008 | The Garden of Eden | John Irvin |
2011 | Thor | Kenneth Branagh |
2012 | The Avengers | Joss Whedon |
2014 | 300: Rise of an Empire | Noam Murro |
Guardians of the Galaxy | James Gunn | |
2015 | Avengers: Age of Ultron | Joss Whedon |
2016 | Doctor Strange | Scott Derrickson |
2017 | Murder on the Orient Express | Kenneth Branagh |
2018 | Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle | Andy Serkis |
Mary Queen of Scots | Josie Rourke | |
2019 | The Aeronauts | Tom Harper |
2020 | Emma. | Autumn de Wilde |
2021 | The Mauritanian | Kevin Macdonald |
2022 | Empire of Light | Sam Mendes |
2023 | The Flash | Andy Muschietti |
2025 | The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Matt Shakman |
Television
[edit]Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
1993 | The Buddha of Suburbia | 4 episodes |
1995 | Persuasion | Television film |
Awards and nominations
[edit]Major associations
[edit]Year[b] | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1997 | Best Costume Design | Hamlet | Nominated | [38] |
1999 | Elizabeth | Nominated | [39] | |
2005 | Finding Neverland | Nominated | [40] | |
2008 | Elizabeth: The Golden Age | Won | [41] | |
2019 | Mary Queen of Scots | Nominated | [42] | |
2021 | Emma | Nominated | [43] |
Year[b] | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
British Academy Film Awards | ||||
1997 | Best Costume Design | Hamlet | Nominated | [44] |
1999 | Elizabeth | Nominated | [45] | |
2005 | Finding Neverland | Nominated | [46] | |
2008 | Elizabeth: The Golden Age | Nominated | [47] | |
2019 | Mary Queen of Scots | Nominated | [48] | |
2021 | Emma | Nominated | [49] | |
British Academy Television Craft Awards | ||||
1994 | Best Costume Design | The Buddha of Suburbia | Nominated | [50] |
1996 | Persuasion | Won | [51] |
Year[b] | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1990 | Best Scenic Design | Some Americans Abroad | Nominated | [52] |
Miscellaneous awards
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ The title of the film has a period attached to signify it being a period piece.[3]
- ^ a b c d Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
- ^ formerly known as "Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society Awards" and "Hollywood Critics Association Awards"
- ^ Tied with Carlo Poggioli for Silk
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Alexandra's golden oscar win – at last". Bath Chronicle. 28 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ Laws, Roz (14 June 2009). "In Oscar's Shadow; Simon Shepherd the Big Interview". Sunday Mercury. Retrieved 22 March 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ "Emma. director Autumn de Wilde explains the film's unusual punctuation". Radio Times.
- ^ a b c d McIntyre, Gina (February 2011). "Rule Britannia!". Los Angeles Times Magazine. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ a b Kung, Michelle; Cruz, Clarissa (31 January 2005). "Oscar's 2005 envelope pushers". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
- ^ a b c Lindstrom, Jan (16 November 2004). "Alexandra Byrne: costume designer". Daily Variety. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ "Motley Theatre Design Course". Motley Theatre Design Course. Archived from the original on 3 February 2006. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ a b Guernsey & Sweet 1990, p. 379.
- ^ Gussow, Mel (12 February 1990). "Review/Theater; American Academics, Warts and All, Wallow in English Plays". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ Guernsey & Sweet 1990, p. 556.
- ^ a b "Alexandra Byrne". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
- ^ Harvey, Dennis (9 May 1994). "Review: 'The Buddha of Suburbia'". Variety. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
- ^ "BAFTA Awards Search". British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
- ^ Elley, Derek (6 June 1995). "Review: 'Persuasion'". Variety. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ "The Buddha of Suburbia (1993) Production Credits". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ "Television Craft - Costume Design in 1996". British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- ^ "Alexandra Byrne". Independent Talent. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- ^ "The 69th Academy Awards – 1997". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
- ^ "Academy Awards Database". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015. Perform search for Alexandra Byrne to view results
- ^ a b Snead, Elizabeth (21 November 2007). "The Golden Age Of Costumes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ a b c Latham 2011, p. 151.
- ^ Goodwin, Betty (13 November 1998). "Ball Gowns Fit for a Queen". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
- ^ "Costume design: the analysis". Daily Variety. 7 February 2005. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ "The 77th Academy Awards – 2005". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ Ebert, Roger (22 December 2004). "'Phantom' merits a look, but don't bother listening". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ Molineaux, Sam (10 January 2005). "Phantom of the Opera.(Eye on the Oscars: the look)". Daily Variety. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ "The 80th Academy Awards – 2008". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ a b c Ryan, Mike (1 August 2014). "'It's Sort of Liberace Meets Billy Idol': The Costumes Of 'Guardians Of The Galaxy'". Screen Crush. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ Thomas, Kevin (25 December 1996). "Branagh Acts 'Hamlet' as the Bard Wrote It". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ Koehler, Robert (31 August 2007). "Sleuth". Daily Variety. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2015. (subscription required)
- ^ Burke 2015, p. 211.
- ^ a b c d Zemler, Emily (21 February 2015). "Alexandra Byrne Told Us What It Was Like to Make Costumes for Marvel's Biggest Movies". Esquire. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ Atkinson, Nathalie (3 May 2012). "Leotards to Louboutins: Assembling The Avengers' costumes". National Post. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
- ^ Collis, Clark (14 October 2016). "Benedict Cumberbatch reveals the movie magic behind his Doctor Strange costume". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ Schaefer, Sandy (2014). "Marvel's Doctor Strange set to shoot in UK". Screen Daily. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
- ^ Jayson, Jay (11 April 2015). "Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange Starts Filming In November". Comicbook.com. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ Robinson, Joanna (3 November 2016). "Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange Starts Filming In November". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
- ^ "69th Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "71st Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "77th Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "80th Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "91st Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "93rd Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "50th British Academy Film Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "52nd British Academy Film Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "58th British Academy Film Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "61st British Academy Film Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "72nd British Academy Film Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "74th British Academy Film Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "40th British Academy Television Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "42nd British Academy Television Awards". British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "THE TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS / 1990". American Theatre Wing. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (2 February 2021). "Hollywood Film Critics awards: 'Promising Young Woman,' 'One Night in Miami' and 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' lead nominations". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (21 December 2020). "Chicago Film Critics Awards: 'Nomadland' Scores Best Picture, Director, Actress & Two Others". Deadline. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Morfoot, Addie (4 January 2005). "Big-budget pix sew up Costume Guild noms". Variety. Archived from the original on 16 June 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Giardina, Carolyn (17 January 2008). "Costume designers unveil noms". The Hollywood Reporter. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 25 November 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Kilday, Gregg (19 January 2012). "'The Artist,' 'Bridesmaids' and 'Thor' Among Nominees for the 14th Costume Designers Guild Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ McNary, Dave (7 January 2015). "'Birdman,' 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Among Costume Designers Guild Nominees". Variety. Archived from the original on 12 January 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Tapley, Kristopher (21 February 2017). "'La La Land,' 'Doctor Strange,' 'The Crown' Win Costume Designers Guild Awards". Variety. Archived from the original on 23 February 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Heller, Corinne (10 January 2018). "2018 Costume Designers Guild Awards Nominations List Includes Lady Bird". E! News. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (10 January 2019). "CDGA Nominations: 'Crazy Rich Asians', 'Black Panther' Among Pics Fitted For Costume Designers' List". Deadline. Archived from the original on 10 January 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Desowitz, Bill (4 March 2021). "Costume Designer Guild Nominations Include 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' 'Emma,' 'Promising Young Woman'". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Tapley, Kristopher (10 December 2018). "'The Favourite,' 'Black Panther,' 'First Man' Lead Critics' Choice Movie Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on 10 December 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ McClintock, Pamela (8 February 2021). "Critics Choice Awards: 'Mank' Leads With 12 Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Dyer, James (7 February 2017). "2017 Three Empire Awards Nominations Announced". Empire. Archived from the original on 9 February 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Travis, Ben (19 January 2018). "Star Wars The Last Jedi and Thor Ragnarok Lead Empire Awards 2018 Nominations". Empire. Archived from the original on 3 February 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (25 January 2021). "Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) award 'Nomadland' Best Picture, Director, Actress". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (11 January 2021). "The 2020 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Winners". Next Best Picture. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (12 March 2021). "Variety To Honor Artisans Including Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross and Leslie Odom Jr. at Santa Barbara Film Festival". Variety. Archived from the original on 12 March 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Puig, Yvonne Georgina (9 December 2004). "Satellites signal pix kudo noms". Variety. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Maxwell, Erin (17 December 2007). "Satellite Award winners announced". Variety. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (29 November 2016). "Satellite Nominations Announced". Awards Daily. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Pond, Steve (29 November 2017). "'Dunkirk,' 'The Shape of Water' Lead Satellite Award Nominations". TheWrap. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (29 November 2018). "2018 Satellite Awards Nominations". Awards Daily. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (1 February 2021). "Satellite Awards: 'Mank' leads film nominations; 'The Crown leads television". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (8 December 2022). "The 2022 Satellite Award (IPA) Nominations". Next Best Picture. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ Puig, Yvonne Georgina (9 February 2005). "'Potter' tops Saturn nods". Variety. Archived from the original on 19 November 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Vary, Adam B. (27 July 2012). "'Rise of the Planet of the Apes,' 'Super 8,' 'Breaking Bad,' and 'Fringe' win big at the Saturn Awards". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Blake, Emily (4 March 2015). "2015 Saturn Awards: 'Captain America: Winter Soldier,' 'Walking Dead' lead nominees". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Cohen, David S. (23 June 2016). "'The Force Awakens' Rings Up Eight Saturn Awards". Variety. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ McNary, Dave (2 March 2017). "'Rogue One,' 'Walking Dead' Lead Saturn Awards Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on 3 March 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (8 February 2021). "'Minari' leads Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) nominations". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
Works cited
- Burke, Liam (2015). The Comic Book Film Adaptation: Exploring Modern Hollywood's Leading Genre. University Press of Mississippi. ISBN 978-1-62674-518-6.
- Guernsey, Otis L.; Sweet, Jeffrey, eds. (1990). The Best Plays of 1989-1990. Applause Theatre Book Publishers. ISBN 978-1557830913.
- Latham, Bethany (2011). Elizabeth I in Film and Television: A Study of the Major Portrayals. McFarland. ISBN 978-0786437184.