On with the gala

The ceremony opens with a speech from the guild's president, Deborah Nadoolman Landis, striking what becomes the refrain of the evening — a call to remember the importance of the costumer, even in nonperiod works. "There are not costume films and noncostume films," she says. "All films are costume films."

Huston makes short and blessedly shtick-less opening remarks before introducing the first of several tribute films, saluting the year's honorary nominees. This year, the guild is honoring the designers of the 1950s, including William Travilla, "the king of cleavage and pleats," who created most of Marilyn Monroe's famous film dresses. The tribute reels are set to songs like "Sympathy for the Devil."

As the night wears on, the acceptance speeches march past predictably. Danny Glicker, however, accepting his award for "Transamerica," recites an extremely rare formulation when he thanks his "gorgeous agent" — two words that likely have never been used together in the history of awards shows.



Trekkies

The liveliest clips reels are shown before an honorary award is presented to Robert Blackman, designer for various "Star Trek" series. Blackman takes the stage and reads an earnest, gracious and extremely long, prepared speech.

Fifteen minutes later, when Blackman yields the mike, it is his misfortune to be followed by bomb-throwing comedian Kathy Griffin.

"For those of you who would like to hear the rest of Robert Blackman's speech," she opens. "it will be delivered tomorrow at the House of Blues Gospel Brunch."

Griffin goes on to decry the injustice of a show being neglected by the costumers. "Someone did the costume design for a brilliant show called 'Being Bobby Brown' and they deserve a damn award. Somebody had to pick out which sticky wig Whitney [Houston] would wear. Somebody worked very hard, and for what?" she demands.



No cowboys

For the first time in my award season adventures, I attend a show that is not dominated by "Brokeback Mountain" and "Crash." The crowd favorite "Geisha" takes the coveted period film award, with designer Colleen Atwood receiving a "Spotlight in Film" prize besides.

Nominated for an Oscar as well, she concedes later that after a quiet season, the jitters will now commence. She tells me on the way out, "I am sure after tonight I'll be seriously nervous."