When two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell took home her third trophy for The Young Victoria, the 49-year-old stunned even before she finished her walk to the dais. Her sheeny floral dress and shock burgundy hair were the first indicators of a rogue in the house, but her speech forced us to let out our corsets for a long, queenly guffaw. Furthermore, she was the night's sole British winner. Hear Powell's sly, yet sweet speech after the jump.
This Oscar ceremony was supposed to buck previous years' stodginess, and Powell's speech was one of the night's true vagabond gestures. She also addressed issues with costuming accolades that Movieline previously acknowledged. To both jokingly self-aggrandize and voice appreciation of the little guy requires an artful balance, and Powell pulled it off with aplomb.