Best Makeup and Hairstyling Predictions (January)

Once the Academy announces their shortlist on February 9, we’ll have a better indication of the 15 films in contention for makeup and hairstyling. It’s a tough category to predict, given there’s often an unexpected nomination drop from nowhere like Border in 2018 and A Man Called Ove in 2016.

It still feels like is Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom‘s to lose, especially with the film picking up steam as an overall contender. If the Academy are more in the mood to acknowledge outlandish work featuring prosthetics and wigs, you can’t discount contenders like Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and Bill & Ted Face the Music. Even Hillbilly Elegy remains firmly in the hunt, especially if the Academy love the film more than, well, everyone else.

Much like Best Costume Design, keep an eye on Promising Young Woman. Emerald Fennell’s bubblegum colour palette is echoed in the makeup and hairstyling of her dazzling protagonist. A richly-deserved nomination here would be a wonderful surprise and a sign the film is a strong contender in other categories.

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING PREDICTIONS:
1. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)
2. Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix)
3. Mank (Netflix)
4. Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm (Amazon Studios)
5. Bill & Ted Face the Music (Orion Pictures)

MAJOR CONTENDERS:
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (Warner Bros.)
Emma. (Focus Features)
Mank (Netflix)
Mulan (Disney)
News of the World (Universal Pictures)
The Personal History of David Copperfield (Searchlight Pictures)
Pinocchio (Roadside Attractions)
The Prom (Netflix)
Promising Young Woman (Focus Features)
The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Hulu)
The Witches (HBO Max)