The Academy Has Reveales the Best Makeup and Hairstyling Contenders Shortlist for the 2026 Oscars

The Academy Awards recognize the transformative power of makeup and hairstyling in bringing characters to life on screen. The upcoming race for the 2026 Oscars features a diverse array of contenders ranging from historical biopics to fantastical reimaginings. This shortlist highlights ten films that have demonstrated exceptional artistry and technical skill in this category by the dedicated members of the branch.

‘The Alto Knights’ (2025)

Robert De Niro takes on a dual role in this gangster drama that spans several decades of organized crime history. The makeup team faced the significant challenge of aging the lead actor and creating distinct looks for two different characters within the same frame. Prosthetic applications and subtle hair changes help differentiate the rival mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The result is a seamless visual narrative that relies heavily on practical effects to sell the illusion of two separate men.

‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

Guillermo del Toro breathes new life into the classic Mary Shelley tale with his signature gothic aesthetic and creature design. The makeup artists worked to give the monster a texture that feels both dead and unnervingly alive while maintaining the actor’s ability to emote through the appliances. Extensive prosthetics emphasize the patchwork nature of the reanimated being without overwhelming the human performance underneath. The period hairstyling further grounds the fantastical horror in its immersive nineteenth-century setting.

‘Kokuho’ (2025)

This adaptation immerses viewers in the traditional world of Kabuki theater and requires meticulous attention to cultural detail. The makeup artists mastered the art of Kumadori to paint the actors’ faces with dramatic lines and colors that signify their character archetypes. Elaborate wigs and headpieces play a crucial role in the transformation of the protagonist into various stage roles throughout the film. The production showcases a stunning blend of historical accuracy and theatrical expression through its styling.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

The vibrant world of professional ping pong in the 1950s comes alive through the distinct styling of this A24 production. Timothée Chalamet undergoes a transformation that includes period-accurate hairstyles and subtle facial prosthetics to capture the essence of the ping pong champion. The makeup team focused on the sweat and grit of intense competition while maintaining the stylized look of the era. The visual characterization adds depth to the eccentric personality at the heart of the story.

‘Nuremberg’ (2025)

Historical authenticity drives the visual language of this post-World War II drama about the infamous military tribunals. Russell Crowe undergoes a significant physical transformation to portray Hermann Göring through the use of facial prosthetics and bodysuits. The hair department meticulously recreated the military cuts and civilian styles of the 1940s to ensure total immersion for the ensemble cast. This commitment to realism helps ground the heavy subject matter in a believable historical context.

‘One Battle after Another’ (2025)

The horrors of prolonged conflict are etched onto the faces of the soldiers in this gritty war epic. Makeup artists specialized in casualty effects to create realistic wounds that evolve as the characters endure relentless combat situations. Layers of mud and grease were applied and maintained to show the physical deterioration of the troops over the course of the campaign. The hairstyling reflects the chaotic conditions of the battlefield with unkempt and matted looks that underscore the film’s intensity.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

Ryan Coogler reunites with Michael B. Jordan for a supernatural thriller set in the Jim Crow South. The makeup effects seamlessly blend period-specific styling with terrifying creature designs for the vampiric antagonists. Prosthetic work creates a menacing and otherworldly appearance that contrasts sharply with the grounded historical setting of the narrative. The hair department balanced the need for 1930s accuracy with the demands of an action-heavy horror production.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

Dwayne Johnson disappears into the role of MMA fighter Mark Kerr thanks to the extensive work of the prosthetic team. The makeup artists reshaped the actor’s facial structure to mimic the toll of a life spent in the ring including cauliflower ears and scar tissue. Hair technicians applied wigs to match Kerr’s specific look during different stages of his turbulent career. The transformation allows the audience to see the tragic character rather than the superstar behind the makeup.

‘The Ugly Stepsister’ (2025)

This dark retelling of the Cinderella story leans into body horror and grotesque fantasy elements to shock the audience. The makeup team executed gruesome practical effects involving foot mutilation and physical deformation to suit the grim tone of the narrative. Elaborate period wigs and courtly makeup are juxtaposed with the visceral gore of the stepsister’s desperate attempts to fit the glass slipper. The visual style turns a familiar fairy tale into a disturbing and artistically complex showcase of craft.

‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

The second chapter of the musical saga expands the fantasy world with even more colorful and inventive character designs. Elphaba’s signature green skin requires a durable and camera-ready application that looks natural under various lighting conditions. The hair department crafted gravity-defying wigs and intricate styles for the citizens of Oz that reflect the growing darkness of the plot. The film serves as a massive canvas for creative expression in both makeup and hairstyling.

Please share your predictions for who will make the final five nominees in the comments.