Ruth E. Carter was born on April 10, 1960, and is an American costume designer, for film and television, with over 40 films to her credit, who has mastered the look of multiple periods and genres in envisioning the clothing and overall appearance of a character or performer.  During her near 30 year film career, Carter has earned three nominations for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for her work on Spike Lee’s biographical film Malcolm X , Steven Spielberg’s historical drama film Amistad , and her most recent work on Ryan Coogler’s superhero film Black Panther, for which she was awarded the Oscar for Best Costume Design at the 91st Academy Awards tonight, February 24, 2019.