The two Academy Award makeup and hairstyling categories
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents two awards at the Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony and honors one winner each at the main ceremony for makeup and hairstyling. The categories are Best Makeup and Hairstyling (3 nominees) and Best Makeup (which historically recognized more nominees before the 2020 merger). Understanding the difference helps clarify why some films appear on one list and not the other. This guide explains how these categories evolved, how nominees are selected, and what the awards recognize in terms of craft, technique, and storytelling support.
How the categories are structured and judged
For the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category at the main awards ceremony, the branch invites studios to submit entries. The Makeup and Hairstylists Branch reviews eligible releases and votes to determine the five nominees. Final voting members then choose the winner. Rules specify that the award honors both makeup and hairstyling work that are integral to a film’s look, with limits on screen time for certain eligibility paths. Technical achievements recognized include prosthetic application, digitization integrated with makeup, and innovative hairstyling that serves character and story. Entries must meet theatrical release criteria and technical formatting standards to be considered.
Eligibility paths into the category
- Feature films with significant makeup and hairstyling contributions where no more than 50 percent of the screen time is digital characters.
- Films relying heavily on special effects makeup and practical effects that support narrative performance.
- Transformative work that demonstrates mastery of prosthetics, airbrush, wig technology, and period styling.
Recent winners and nominees overview
The following table lists recent winners and nominees for the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. It reflects the official submissions and voting results reported by the Academy and is accurate to the knowledge cutoff. Note that some years featured multiple films receiving nominations under the merged category, while earlier years had separate categories that could lead to variations in nominee counts.
Recent Academy Award winners and nominees for Best Makeup and Hairstyling
| Year | Film | Recipient(s) | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Maestro | Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram, Justin Raleigh | Win | Period biopic |
| 2023 | The Creator | Donald Mowat, Mike Hillmann, Barrie Gower | Nom | Sci‑fi with extensive prosthetics |
| 2023 | Oppenheimer | Kazuhiro Tsuji, Christien Tinsley, Laura Allen | Nom | Character aging and authenticity |
| 2023 | Poor Things | Mark Coulier, Jason Baird, Lucy Sibbick | Nom | Bold transformation work |
| 2022 | The Whale | Adrien Morot, Judy Chin, Heather Pennington | Win | Performance-driven prosthetic makeup |
| 2022 | Elvis | Kazuhiro Tsuji, Kaylene Butler, Johnathan Glynn | Nom | Authentic likeness and period styling |
| 2022 | Everything Everywhere All at Once | Donald Mowat, Lorraine Glynn, D. Franki Mazzarella | Nom | Multiverse concept and rapid changes |
| 2022 | Nope | Sean James, Camille Calvet, Julia López-Pumarega | Nom | Creature design and on-set effects |
| 2021 | Belfast | Maurizio Silvi, Jason Baird, Shane Thomas | Win | Period hair and makeup authenticity |
| 2021 | Dune | Jacqueline West, Sarah Jane Arts, Bob Laden | Nom | Worldbuilding through texture and prosthetics |
| 2021 | House of Gucci | Cristiano Roggero, Alessandro Bertolazzi, Giorgio Gregorini | Nom | Character transformation and styling |
| 2021 | The Eyes of Tammy Faye | Travis Scott, Michelle Clark, Stephen Kelley | Nom | Prosthetics and performance credibility |
Comparison with other major film craft awards
Academy Award makeup and hairstyling winners are often aligned with recognition from guilds and critics groups. The following comparison highlights how this category intersects with other ceremonies, though each body applies its own rules and nomination processes.
Quick comparison of recognition for makeup and hairstyling
| Organization | Category Name | Typical Number of Nominees | Relation to Oscars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Awards (Oscars) | Best Makeup and Hairstyling | 3 | Final voting by branch members |
| Best Makeup & Hair | 5 | Often similar shortlist; separate voters | |
| Best Hair & Makeup | 5 | Members from film and TV critics | |
| Best Period and/or Character Make-Up | 3−5 | Industry peer voting; strong predictor |
Rules, history, and common questions
Since 2012, the Academy merged its former Best Makeup and Best Makeup & Hairstyling categories into a single race with up to five nominees, settling on three around 2020. Films must have opened in Los County within the eligibility year and meet minimum screen time or submission requirements. A common myth is that visual effects films cannot submit; in practice, films with heavy digital characters but significant makeup work can qualify under the 50 percent guideline. Another frequent question concerns the Scientific and Technical Awards, which the Academy also presents for innovations in makeup technology, such as advanced silicone prosthetics or airbrush systems, but those are separate from the competitive winners announced at the main ceremony.
How this award impacts careers and recognition
Winning or being nominated for an Academy Award for makeup and hairstyling can elevate the visibility of artists who work behind the camera. The award often leads to increased job opportunities, union recognition, and access to higher-budget projects. For films, the honor signals meticulous craft that supports storytelling, particularly in period pieces, biopics, and science fiction where transformation and worldbuilding are essential. Nominees typically include department heads and key artists whose contributions are critical yet frequently overlooked in mainstream coverage.
Tips for tracking future nominees and entries
To follow future races, watch announcements from the Academy’s Makeup and Hairstylists Branch, which typically occur in early January for the prior year’s awards. Eligible entries are listed on the official Oscars website, and the shortlist evolves as voters deliberate. Industry trade publications and guild news also report likely contenders based on early screenings and submission patterns. Keeping an eye on recurring names—such as department heads who frequently transform actors across decades—can help you anticipate trends and recognize the breadth of work the category celebrates.
tags: Oscars, Academy Awards, Makeup, Hairstyling, Winners, Nominees