Julie Taymor

In 1998, won two Tony Awards for "The Lion King": Best Director (Musical) and Best Costume Designer. She was also among the "Lion King" composers and lyricists nominated that year for Best Original Musical Score. The year before, in 1997, she had received two Tony nominations for "Juan Darien": as Best Director (Musical) and, along with collaborator G.W. Mercier, as Best Scenic Designer.

[on designing puppets/costumes for 'The Lion King'] Having made the decision not to hide the performers within animal suits or behind masks, the challenge was to convey the animal's essence while maintaining the presence of the human.