Ruth E. Carter, an African American costume designer, made history as the first Black woman to secure two Oscars.
She received her second Academy Award nomination for costume design for the film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which contributed to her collection of honors. In 2019, she won her first Oscar for her exceptional contribution to the original “Black Panther” movie, making her the first African woman to achieve this honor in the category.
In her acceptance speech, Carter praised the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for recognizing the depiction of a Black female superhero. In addition, she disclosed the poignant news of her mother’s recent demise at the remarkable age of 101, noting that the film had prepared her for this event. She delivered a heartfelt homage, directing her words to the deceased “Black Panther” actor Chadwick Boseman, beseeching him to protect and care for her mother.
Carter’s remarkable career has previously garnered Oscar nominations for her contributions to Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad.”
Her achievement places her among a select group of Black Oscar winners who have clinched multiple awards in competitive categories, alongside luminaries such as Denzel Washington, Mahershala Ali, Willie D. Burton, and Russell Williams II, both acclaimed sound mixers.