• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture
  • Oscars

'Black Panther' costume designer speaks out about 'surreal' Oscar win

0:42
Ruth Carter speaks out about her historic Oscars win
Mike Blake/Reuters
Catherine Thorbecke
ByCatherine Thorbecke
February 25, 2019, 3:01 AM

Ruth Carter made Oscars history Sunday night, becoming the first black woman to ever win the award for best costume design for her work in the film "Black Panther."

The first-time Academy Award winner spoke about her "new man" in an exclusive backstage interview with ABC News' Lara Spencer for "Good Morning America," saying it felt "surreal."

"I just can't believe it," she added. "It's like years of ... work and love and care."

Editor’s Picks

Production designer gives emotional Oscars speech: 'My best is good enough'

  • Feb 25, 2019

'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'Green Book' among big winners at the Oscars

  • Feb 25, 2019

Oscars 2019: Celebrities arrive on the red carpet for Hollywood's biggest night

  • Feb 24, 2019

Related Articles

(MORE: Best fashion from the 2019 Oscars red carpet)

Being able "to bring the tribes into a futuristic film was an honor," Carter said about bringing Wakanda to life.

"This entire team was supportive and I feel like that's what makes it so super special," she said of the cast and crew of "Black Panther."

Ruth E. Carter accepts the Best Costume Design award for "Black Panther" at the Oscars in Los Angeles, Feb. 24, 2019.
Mike Blake/Reuters

Related Articles

(MORE: Oscars 2019: Celebrities arrive on the red carpet for Hollywood's biggest night)

"Marvel may have created the first black superhero but through costume design, we turned him into an African king," Carter said during her acceptance speech.

"It's been my life's honor to create costumes," she added.

Carter also thanked the Academy for "honoring African royalty and the empowered way women can look and lead onscreen."

Related Articles

(MORE: #CoupleGoals: Hollywood's cutest partners slay the red carpet together at the 2019 Oscars)

Earlier this year, Carter told ABC News Live how her team used 3-D printing technology to create some of the most intricate details of the costumes for the film.

Related Topics

  • Oscars

Editor’s Picks

Production designer gives emotional Oscars speech: 'My best is good enough'

  • Feb 25, 2019

'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'Green Book' among big winners at the Oscars

  • Feb 25, 2019

Oscars 2019: Celebrities arrive on the red carpet for Hollywood's biggest night

  • Feb 24, 2019

Up Next in Culture—

King Charles, Queen Camilla head to America: What to expect on their state visit

April 14, 2026

Alix Earle responds to Alex Cooper: What to know about their rumored feud

April 14, 2026

Prince Harry, Meghan kick off 4-day Australia visit

April 14, 2026

Phil Collins and Billy Idol among the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees

April 14, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News