In past years, the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling has often gone to a film that transforms its leading lady into someone completely unrecognisable. Think of films like Bombshell, The Iron Lady, La Vie en Rose, and Frida. This year, many initially suspected that suggested Hillbilly Elegy was set to join this group for its cavalcade of prosthetics and wigs that turned Glenn Close into curmudgeony grandmother Mamaw. But it seems the Academy will honour the makeup and hairstyline of another leading lady this year.
With wins at the BAFTAs, the Critics Choice Awards, and two prizes from the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylist Guild Awards, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom has surged to frontrunner status. Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson are the first Black women to be nominated in this category and their win would be a moment in history the Academy would be foolish to ignore. This would also be the first time a film with a predominantly Black cast has won this prize, which is an embarrassing oversight that will finally be corrected. Hair and makeup play such an integral part in Viola Davis’ performance, and that’s what the Academy often look for in this category.
If there is a potential spoiler brewing, it would have to be Pinocchio. The fantastical makeup work is genuinely stunning and proved a film of this nature could be made without the assistance of CGI. It’s certainly the style of elaborate fantasy makeup and hairstyling the Academy usually fawn over (Suicide Squad, Mad Max: Fury Road, Pan’s Labyrinth), so an upset win wouldn’t be all that shocking. However, given it’s distributed by a tiny indie studio, it’s unlikely the film can compete with the might of Netflix. Regardless, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom deserves this prize.
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING FINAL PREDICTION:
1. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)
Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson
2. Pinocchio (Roadside Attractions)
Mark Coulier, Dalia Colli and Francesco Pegoretti
3. Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix)
Eryn Krueger Mekash, Matthew Mungle and Patricia Dehaney
4. Mank (Netflix)
Gigi Williams, Kimberley Spiteri and Colleen LaBaff
5. Emma. (Focus Features)
Marese Langan, Laura Allen and Claudia Stolze
Will win: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Should win: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Possible shocker: Pinocchio