Final Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar Nomination Predictions

With the Academy’s nominations announcement drawing closer by the day, it’s time to lay it all on the line with my final Oscar nomination predictions. In the precursor season, Hillbilly Elegy, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Mank managed to secure Makeup and Hairstyling nominations from the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild, BAFTA, and Critics Choice. You’d have to assume that locks these three in for Oscar nods.

Pinocchio earned MUAH and BAFTA nominations and surprised many with its inclusion on the Oscars shortlist, so that seems more than enough to cement it in the top five. That leaves us with the fifth spot essentially wide open. There’s a strong chance this will be the nomination Oscars shortlist darling Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey scores a nomination, but it could also go to period comedy Emma. and its cavalcade of elaborate wigs and make-up work.

But it’s hard to overlook the fact Suicide Squad won this category back in 2016, meaning it’s highly likely the Academy will want to also acknowledge Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). It was somewhat of a miracle the film landed on the Oscars shortlist, given Warner Bros. were busy campaigning Wonder Woman 1984 instead. That has to prove there’s enough love for Harley Quinn and co. to snatch that fifth spot.

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING PREDICTIONS:
1. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)
2. Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix)
3. Mank (Netflix)
4. Pinocchio (Roadside Attractions)
5. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (Warner Bros.)

Alternate: Emma. (Focus Features)