“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” – A Look at the Academy Award Nominated Hair and Makeup
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a phenomenon worldwide, and the film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ remains embedded in the consciousness of millions of movie-goers. The movie’s attention to detail, not only in its costumes and special effects but also in its hair and makeup, has garnered recognition and praise from its audiences, especially its latest nomination for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling at the Academy Awards.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the work of hairstylist Camille Friend, who is responsible for the stunning hair designs in both the first and second movies of the Black Panther franchise. We will also examine the challenges that the team faced while creating the hair looks for the sequel.
The New Nomination and Camille Friend’s excitement
Before delving into the details of Camille Friend’s work, let us note that she, along with Joel Harlow, has once again been nominated for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling for their work in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ at the 93rd Academy Awards.
In a conversation with WTOP, Camille Friend expressed her excitement about being nominated for the award for the third time. She further stated that winning the award would be a dream come true, as this would not only acknowledge the team’s hard work but also highlight the importance of Black hairstyling in the film industry.
“Black Panther 1” was a love letter to Black Hair
It is tough to talk about the hair in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ without briefly referring to the first movie of the franchise. Camille Friend also worked on the hair for the first movie, which showcased various Black hairstyles, from braids to locks, in natural hair. The focus on Black hair was an essential aspect of the first movie’s aesthetic, and it was a refreshing change from the limited representations of Black hair in mainstream media.
The Evolution of Shuri’s Hairstyle
In ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ Letitia Wright’s character, Shuri, takes over the mantle of Black Panther. The revelation of her sister’s death leaves her in a state of mourning, leading to her hair and makeup transform to reflect her emotional state.
Camille Friend highlighted this transformation, in regards to Shuri’s hair, from a youthful look to a more mature appearance. In the first installment, she had braids with shaved sides, a look that suited the character’s younger persona. However, for the sequel, the team wanted to give Shuri a more mature aesthetic. To achieve this, they used her hair texture, still a 4C texture, and two-strand twisted her hair while leaving the side and back shaved.
Ramonda’s Hairstyle and Its Significance
The team also had to face the challenging task of styling Ramonda’s hair, with Angela Bassett playing the character in the movie. The woman behind the hair of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ explained that they wanted to add a new dimension to Ramonda’s character, focusing on her hair’s symbolism in West African Culture.
In West African cultures, people cut their hair when in mourning. So, the team explored what the characters would look like in mourning and with their hair cut accordingly. In the first movie, Ramonda had beautiful silvery locks, but this time, they gave her hair a shape that mimics the crowns that Ramonda wears to reflect the queen that she is.
Angela Bassett as Best Supporting Actress
Angela Bassett’s performance as Ramonda remains a standout in the movie, and Camille Friend believes that her portrayal should win her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. If this happens, it will be the latest Friend-styled performance to win an acting Oscar, with past wins for Jamie Foxx in “Ray” (2004), Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls” (2006), and Octavia Spencer in “The Help” (2011).
A Glance at Camille Friend’s Career
Camille Friend’s work in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is not the first instance of her hairstyling in a Marvel movie. Her portfolio includes movies like ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ ‘Captain Marvel,’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2.’ She has also worked in the hair department for other hit films like ‘The Hangover,’ ‘Django Unchained,’ ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay,’ ‘Us,’ and ‘Tenet.’
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s nomination for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling is a testament to the film’s excellence in its attention to detail, making it not only a box office success but also a critical darling. With its beautiful hair and make-up design, the movie has made a lasting impact, especially in how it depicts Black hair in a positive light. Camille Friend’s work in the movie is remarkable and should be celebrated for her efforts to make Black hairstyling paramount in movies.
