Best Makeup & Hairstyling - 98th Academy Awards

The Art of Transformation

Makeup & Hairstyling is the art of transforming actors into characters through the skilled application of cosmetics, prosthetics, wigs, and hairpieces. These artists work closely with directors, actors, and costume designers to create believable characters that enhance storytelling and bring scripts to life.

We don't just apply makeup; we create characters

The Smashing Machine

2025

Director: Benny Safdie

Lead Actor: Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr

Makeup Department Head: Kazu Hiro

Hairstyling Department Head: Linda Flowers

Prosthetics Lead: Arjen Tuiten

"The challenge with 'The Smashing Machine' was to transform Dwayne Johnson into UFC fighter Mark Kerr at different stages of his career. We created realistic fight damage, aging effects, and subtle changes that showed both his physical transformation and personal journey. The makeup tells a story of pain, perseverance, and redemption."

Key Transformations:

Age Progression Makeup Realistic Fight Injuries Body Sculpting Prosthetics Facial Reconstruction Subtle Aging Effects

The Ugly Stepsister

2025

Director: Julia Ducournau

Lead Actress: Anya Taylor-Joy as Elvira

Makeup Department Head: Mike Marino

Hairstyling Department Head: Adruitha Lee

Special Effects Makeup: Christien Tinsley

"For 'The Ugly Stepsister,' we created a grotesque yet beautiful transformation that blurs the line between horror and comedy. The challenge was to make the body horror both shocking and strangely alluring. We used practical effects combined with subtle CGI to create transformations that feel organic to the twisted fairy tale."

Key Transformations:

Body Horror Prosthetics Beauty-to-Grotesque Practical Blood Effects Facial Distortion Period Hairstyling

Kokuho

2025

Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda

Lead Actor: Kōji Yakusho as Kikuo

Makeup Department Head: Noriko Watanabe

Hairstyling Department Head: Yuki Iida

Kabuki Makeup Specialist: Tatsuya Ishiguro

"Kokuho required extensive research into traditional Kabuki theater makeup techniques. We had to authentically recreate the iconic Kumadori makeup while showing the character's journey from youth to old age. The challenge was maintaining historical accuracy while allowing the actor's performance to shine through layers of traditional makeup."

Key Transformations:

Traditional Kabuki Makeup 40-Year Age Span Historical Accuracy Wig Styling Character Symbolism

Other Notable Makeup & Hairstyling Nominees

In addition to the three films featured above, the following Best Picture nominees also received nominations for their outstanding Makeup & Hairstyling work:

Frankenstein

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Featuring: Monster creation prosthetics, period hairstyling, Gothic horror makeup

Sinners

Directed by Ryan Coogler

Featuring: Contemporary character makeup, realistic injury effects, modern hairstyling

Makeup & Hairstyling Facts

Total Nominees This Year

70+

Makeup Artists Per Film

500+

Hours of Application

Countries Represented

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