While BAFTA might have stolen some of the wind in the Costume Designers Guild’s sails, never discount the guild most responsible for a category at the Oscars. Sometimes, their observations are more astute even if they don’t make up more than a fraction of Oscar voters.

COSTUME DESIGNERS GUILD AWARDS

Best Period Costume Design

Emma. (RU:Wesley, RU:Peter, RU:Tripp, RU:Thomas)
Judas and the Black Messiah
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Wesley, Peter, Tripp, Thomas)
Mank
One Night in Miami

Wesley Lovell: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom has been relatively consistent throughout Oscar season and while Emma. and Mank might pose threats, I suspect that the legendary Ann Roth will walk away with this.
Peter J. Patrick: Everyone seems to love the designs for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, so why not the guild as well? Emma for the runner-up.
Tripp Burton: There are several possible winners here, and I wouldn’t discount Mank, but I think this is between the beaten costumes of Ma Rainey and the elegant costumes of Emma.
Thomas LaTourette: Even though Ma Rainey has fewer costumes than either Mank or Emma, it probably will win.

Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Costume Design

Dolittle
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (RU:Peter, RU:Tripp, RU:Thomas)
Mulan (Wesley, Tripp, Thomas)
Pinocchio (Peter, RU:Wesley)
Wonder Woman 1984

Wesley Lovell: Two Oscar nominees are on this list, which could indicate a direction these voters are likely to go. Mulan has more costumes than Pinocchio, which was a surprise nominee in the first place. I give Mulan an edge, though if any group will buy into the trash talking about Mulan‘s designers’ inspiration from museum gowns, it’s this group…then again, that’s probably where a lot of them get some of their inspiration too.
Peter J. Patrick: Pinocchio would get my vote, so here’s hoping the Guild agrees. Jingle Jangle for the runner-up position.
Tripp Burton: Oscar nominee Mulan should easily win this year in a category hurt by the lack of big blockbusters.
Thomas LaTourette: The Oscar-nominated Mulan should prevail here.

Best Contemporary Costume Design

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar
Birds of Prey (Wesley, RU:Tripp)
Da 5 Bloods
Promising Young Woman (Peter, Tripp, Thomas, RU:Wesley)
The Prom (RU:Peter, RU:Thomas)

Wesley Lovell: Birds of Prey has the most costumes, Barb & Star has perhaps the most outlandish, and Promising Young Woman has iconic designs. I’m leaning towards Birds, but could see either of the other films winning.
Peter J. Patrick: Seems like deja-vu all over again. Let’s go with Promising Young Woman with The Prom for runner-up.
Tripp Burton: Promising Young Woman and Birds of Prey each had impressive female costuming that went a long way to redefine their genres, but the Best Picture nominee is an easy winner here.
Thomas LaTourette: Even though The Prom has the splashiest costumes, I think Promising Young Woman will win.