At the 2025 Academy Awards, many of the films that were nominated had eccentric sets, costumes and most especially makeup. Makeup became a huge factor in creating these films, whether just adding a prosthetic nose onto Timothee Chalamet’s face or painting Cynthia Ervio entirely green as Elphaba. It helped differentiate these films from past ones, and showed the commitment from the makeup artists and actors to film an authentic movie. Here are three films that stood out in the “Best Makeup and Hairstyling” category and how they all made it happen.
The Winner – “The Substance”
“The Substance” won the award for best makeup and hairstyling at the Academy Awards. In the film, Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, goes through the grotesque process of the substance, when a new, younger woman (Margaret Qualley) steps out her back. This process was not simply special effects –– there was actually a silicon person that was sliced in half which Qualley stepped out of.
Throughout the film, Moore underwent many different makeup looks, some as her basic self and some with lots of prosthetics and no hair. She became a creature in part of this film, committing to the film and its theme entirely.
Pierre-Olivier Persin was the makeup artist on this film, along with Stéphanie Guillon, creating these crazy scenes with special effects makeup and prosthetics.
“Wicked” and it’s Whimsical Characters
For “Wicked,” Frances Hannon, the movie’s hair and makeup designer, committed to finding the perfect green for Elphaba’s complexion. They did about 60 tests to find the right shade of green, which would be sprayed over Erivo each day she was on set. The process was long each day, covering up most of Erivo’s head, neck, chest, hands and more.
Glinda’s look was a little simpler to achieve. Hannon and the film’s team wanted to encapsulate her light and airy look. Ariana Grande involved her makeup brand, r.e.m. beauty, to create Glinda’s makeup throughout the movie. Grande even made an Ozdust Eyeshadow Palette so that fans can have the same glowy appearance as Glinda.
Other than the main characters, Hannon focused on having lots of colors for these other characters and overall making them look whimsical with all of the different sets. Each character had their distinct look in the film, showing off the creativity and freeness of Oz.
“Nosferatu:” The Creation of Count Orlok
For “Nosferatu,” the makeup team had the challenge of turning Bill Skarsgård’s appearance from a young and handsome actor to the frightening main character of Count Orlok. This took a complete transformation, leaving Skarsgård looking unrecognizable and scary. The makeup team, led by David White, was able to achieve this chilling Transylvanian look, adding to the darkness of the film.
Many of these actors and makeup teams committed to having authentic looks throughout their films, choosing to stray away from things like CGI. These three movies, and more featured at the Academy Awards, showcased how movie makeup can enhance the storytelling of a film.
What did you think of the makeup in these films? Let us know by tagging us @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!
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