Ruth E. Carter Becomes First Black Woman to Win Two Oscars, With Best Costume Design Win for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

Photo @therealruthecarter

Ruth E. Carter has made history by becoming the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards. Her latest win is for her work on Marvel’s “Wakanda Forever,” the sequel to the iconic “Black Panther.”

Carter’s career has been a long road of hard work and dedication, which has now paid off with the recognition of her incredible costume design skills. She has worked on over 70 films and television series since 1988, when she started her career in the award-winning film “School Daze.” Since then, Carter’s designs have been seen in major films such as “Malcolm X,” “Amistad,” “Selma,” and “A Wrinkle in Time.”

For her work on “Wakanda Forever,” Carter was praised for her creativity and skill in making an authentic African-inspired wardrobe for the film. She spent months researching and traveling to South Africa to find the perfect fabrics and materials to bring the world of Wakanda to life. The result was a unique, vibrant, and detailed costume that combined traditional African elements with modern style.

Carter’s work has always been about celebrating African heritage and black culture. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated her award to “all of the people who have worked hard for so many years to ensure that we are seen, we are heard, and we are respected.”

Ruth E. Carter is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. She is an inspiration to many aspiring costume designers of color and a reminder that anything is possible if you put in the time and effort. Her wins at the 95th Academy Awards are a celebration of her success and a recognition of her talent and commitment to her craft. 

Carter has set a new standard for costume design, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of young people who are just getting started in the industry. Her work has changed the way we think about black art and culture, and she is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.