Talent is an elusive quality that takes many forms, one of which is the artistry of hair and makeup in film. Such artistic excellence was acknowledged at the recent Academy Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, where several categories were recognized for their contributions to cinema. Among them was the Best Makeup and Hairstyling award, which was won by Adrien Morot, Judy Chin, and Annemarie Bradley, for their exceptional work on Brendan Fraser in the film, “The Whale.”
Fraser plays an obese man living behind a computer screen who looks to form a bond with his distant daughter, following the reality he faces with his condition. To create such a transformation, the team used digital prosthetic makeup, which allowed for Fraser’s emotional range of expression to radiate. Morot, who has been dubbed as a “prosthetics wizard,” had the task of creating the prosthetic makeup for Fraser’s character Charlie, which required hours of meticulous preparation as Fraser underwent a mold for every part of his body.
This is not the first time that Morot’s skills have been recognized, and he has been nominated for an Oscar in the past. Other nominees in this year’s Best Makeup and Hairstyling category included Mark Coulier, Jason Baird, and Aldo Signoretti, Camille Friend, Joel Harlow, Naomi Donne, Mike Marino, Mike Fontaine, Heike Merker, and Linda Eisenhamerová.
As the winners celebrate their achievement, it is worth revisiting their work through the years, including some of the striking special effects makeup that they have brought to life on screen. For example, in the 2010 film “Black Swan,” Judy Chin flushed Natalie Portman’s face with a white base and faint red lip, harnessing the ballerina’s first look with darkness in her gaze. The black and bold eyeliner represented a transcendent visual, harnessing the plot of the film with eyeliner that covered the entire eyelid and temple, drawn sharp into the inner corner of the eye.
Chin’s work as makeup department head on Greta Gerwig’s film “Little Women” showcased the female cast in a natural light, with a subtle approach to the era of the plot with tints of blush and lip color. Meanwhile, Adrien Morot worked on “X-Men: Days of Future Past”, creating intricate special effects on Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and Nicholas Hoult as Beast.
Hairstylist Annemarie Bradley also received accolades for her stellar work on “In the Heights,” in which she showcased the charisma of a hair salon through voluminous hairstyles and playful hair accessories.
The annual Oscars is a celebration of film, cinematography, and the artists who bring characters to life. This year’s event was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, and performances included Rihanna and Lady Gaga, while presenters included Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Janelle Monáe, and more. To enhance the photography during the arrivals, the red carpet was replaced with a champagne-colored one, which was the first change since the 33rd Oscars in 1961.
It is worth noting that while all of the nominees and winners in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category displayed exceptional talent, their contributions go beyond just their technical skills. They are part of a wider community of artists who work together to bring stories to life, and their work helps to connect audiences to the characters and narratives that they portray. In this sense, their artistry has the power to transport and transform – and leave a lasting impression on audiences long after the credits have rolled.
