Oscar Winner Janty Yates receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Septimius Awards 2024

On August 20, 2024, at the prestigious Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, Oscar-winning costume designer Janty Yates was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Septimius Awards 2024. The event, which celebrates excellence in global cinema and emerging talent, was a significant milestone for Yates, who has made an indelible mark in the world of film costume design. As she took the stage to accept the award, an emotional Yates was moved to tears, a poignant reflection of her decades-long dedication to her craft and the recognition of her remarkable contributions to the film industry.

Janty Yates, known for her meticulous attention to detail and the transformative power of her costumes, has been a leading figure in costume design for over two decades. Her work has graced some of the most iconic films of our time, earning her an Academy Award in 2001 for her exceptional work in Ridley Scott's Gladiator. Yates’s long-standing collaboration with Ridley Scott is one of the most defining partnerships of her career, spanning numerous films where her costume designs have elevated the narrative and enhanced the storytelling.

Their collaboration began with Gladiator, and since then, Yates has been a key creative partner in many of Scott’s visually stunning films, including Hannibal (2001), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), American Gangster (2007), and more recently, House of Gucci (2021) and The Last Duel (2021). Scott’s directorial vision, coupled with Yates’s expertise in translating character and period through costume, has resulted in some of the most memorable sartorial moments in modern cinema. Yates’s designs not only reflect the time period in which the films are set but also embody the psyche of the characters, helping audiences immerse themselves in the world on screen.

When Yates received her Lifetime Achievement Award at the Septimius Awards, it was not only a celebration of her individual accomplishments but also a recognition of the vital role she has played in shaping the visual aesthetics of Ridley Scott’s films. The depth of their professional relationship, built on mutual respect and a shared passion for storytelling, has been a cornerstone of Yates's career, allowing her to push the boundaries of costume design and continuously redefine the art form.

Yates’s acceptance speech at the Septimius Awards was marked by heartfelt gratitude. Fighting back tears, she thanked her collaborators, particularly Ridley Scott, for giving her the opportunity to bring his cinematic visions to life.

Yates’s involvement at the Septimius Awards wasn’t limited to the emotional moment of receiving her Lifetime Achievement Award. On the preceding day, August 19, 2024, she participated in the Septimius panel, a highlight of the event that brought together industry heavyweights. Yates joined an illustrious group of panelists, including Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., identity leadership expert and Oprah Winfrey’s partner Stedman Graham, CEO Glenn Roggeman, visionary filmmaker Jan-Willem Breure, and renowned casting directors Nancy Bishop and Luci Lenox.

The panel discussion delved into the changing landscape of the film industry, with insights from the diverse experiences of the participants. Yates shared her perspective on the evolving role of costume design in contemporary cinema, emphasizing how costumes can serve as a powerful narrative tool. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring her profound understanding of character and story development through costume.

The panel also touched on the challenges and opportunities of working in a global industry, and Yates, who has worked across a broad spectrum of genres and styles, offered valuable advice to emerging designers.

For many, the Septimius Awards 2024 were a showcase of both established and emerging talent, but it was Yates’s presence that stood out as a symbol of longevity and continued excellence in the film industry. Her journey from a young designer to an Oscar winner and now a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is a testament to her unparalleled skill, creativity, and dedication.

The Septimius Awards provided a fitting stage to celebrate Janty Yates’s extraordinary career, and her tears of joy were a reminder of the passion that drives her. As the night concluded in the grandeur of the Tuschinski Theater, it was clear that Yates’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of designers, filmmakers, and storytellers. Her partnership with Ridley Scott, her artistic integrity, and her unyielding commitment to the craft have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, ensuring that her influence will be felt for years to come.