The veteran costume designerPiero Tosi, who has been nominated five times for an Oscar, will receive theinaugural President's Award at the fifth annual Costume Designers Guild(CDG) Awards in Los Angeles on Mar 16. Tosi started out at the age of 22 onLuchino Visconti's Bellissimaand his creations have graced such classic pictures as Death In Venice, The Leopard and La Cage Aux Folles.

Making the announcement today(Jan 27), CDG president Deborah Nadoolman Landis said: 'It's theguild's intent with its new annual President's Award to reachwithin and beyond the borders of English-language countries. I'm proudthat Piero Tosi is our first choice for this award.' It is understoodthat Tosi will not be able to collect the award in person and will send avideotaped message of thanks.

This year marks the 50thanniversary of the guild. Excellence in Costume Design awards will be presentedin film and television. As previously announced, Ann Roth will receive thehonorary award for Career Achievement in Film.