Make-Up and Hair Stylists Guild Awards Honor Top Talent

By Newsroom | Entertainment, Awards |

The Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) recently held its annual awards ceremony, celebrating the exceptional artistry and technical skill involved in creating transformative looks for film, television, and live productions. The event highlighted outstanding achievements in various categories, underscoring the crucial role of these crafts in visual storytelling.

The awards presented a comprehensive overview of the year's most compelling make-up and hair styling work across diverse media. The ceremony acknowledged contributions to feature films, television series, limited series, TV movies, television specials, children's programming, commercials, music videos, and live theatrical productions. Beyond competitive categories, the event also honored individuals for their lifelong dedication and pioneering impact within the industry.

Awards Ceremony Highlights

The Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards recognized excellence across a broad spectrum of visual media. The nominations and subsequent wins underscored the intricate work involved in character development and visual enhancement.

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  • Feature Films:

  • Best Special Make-Up Prosthetics: "Frankenstein" (Netflix) took home the award for its prosthetic work, with Mike Hill and Megan Many credited.

  • Best Period and/or Character Make-Up: "Sinners" (Warner Bros. Season 5) was honored in this category.

  • Best Contemporary Make-Up: "One Battle After Another" (Warner Bros. Pictures/HBO Max) received the award.

  • Best Contemporary Hair Styling: "One Battle After Another" (Warner Bros.) also secured a win for its hair styling.

  • Television Series – Limited, Miniseries or Movie for Television:

  • Best Special Make-Up Prosthetics: "Stranger Things: Season 5" (Netflix) was recognized for its prosthetic creations, with Barrie Gower, Mike Mekash, and Duncan Jarman named.

  • Television Special, One Hour or More Live Program Series:

  • Best Contemporary Make-Up: "Saturday Night Live" (NBC) was a winner in this category.

  • Best Period and/or Character Make-Up and/or Prosthetics: "Saturday Night Live" (NBC) also received recognition for this category.

  • Children and Teen Television:

  • Best Make-Up: "Skeleton Crew" (Disney+) was awarded.

  • Best Hair Styling: "Skeleton Crew" (Disney+) also earned a win for hair styling.

  • Commercials & Music Videos:

  • Best Make-Up: Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra" (YouTube) was recognized.

  • Best Hair Styling: The Walmart "WhoKnewVille" Holiday Campaign won for its hair styling.

  • Theatrical Productions (Live Stage):

  • Broadway and International Live Theater Production – Make-Up and Hair Styling: "Frankenstein" (Segerstrom Center for the Arts) was honored.

Honorary Awards Bestowed

In addition to competitive categories, the MUAHS Guild Awards presented prestigious honorary awards to individuals for their significant contributions and enduring impact on the make-up and hair styling professions.

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  • Vanguard Award: This award was presented to Michael Johnston, an Emmy-nominated make-up artist celebrated for his pioneering work in children's and teen television over three decades.

  • Lifetime Achievement Award for Make-Up: Greg Nelson, an Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning make-up artist known for his work on iconic projects like "Raging Bull," Michael Jackson's "Thriller," "Batman Returns," and "Death Becomes Her," received this honor.

  • Lifetime Achievement Award for Hair Stylists: Judy Alexander Cory, a distinguished hair stylist with a career spanning 60 years, from Elvis Presley's "Clambake" to "The Matrix" and "Forrest Gump," was recognized with this award.

Key Films and Series with Multiple Nominations

Several productions garnered significant attention, leading in nominations across various categories, indicative of their substantial contributions to the craft.

  • "Frankenstein," "One Battle After Another," and "Sinners" each received multiple nominations in the feature film categories, including Best Period and/or Character Make-Up, Best Contemporary Make-Up, Best Contemporary Hair Styling, and Best Special Make-Up Prosthetics.

  • In television, "Monster: The Ed Gein Story," "Stranger Things," and "Wednesday" led with three nominations each within the series, limited series, and TV movie categories.

  • "Dancing with the Stars" was a prominent contender in television special and live program categories, securing four nominations. "Saturday Night Live" also received multiple nominations, including one for its 50th-anniversary special.

Expert Analysis and Industry Significance

The MUAHS Awards serve as a vital platform for recognizing the often-unseen, yet essential, artistry of make-up artists and hair stylists. These professionals meticulously craft the visual identities of characters, contributing fundamentally to the storytelling and immersive experience of a production.

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  • Craftsmanship: The awards celebrate the dedication, collaboration, and sheer skill involved in every aspect of make-up and hair design.

  • Impact on Storytelling: Winning entries demonstrate how expertly applied make-up and hair styling can enhance character depth, define eras, and elevate the overall narrative of a film or television show.

  • Industry Recognition: The event provides a dedicated space for the make-up and hair styling community to gain professional acknowledgment, fostering a sense of community and shared achievement within the broader entertainment industry.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The 2026 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards have underscored the breadth and depth of talent within the make-up and hair styling professions. The recognized works highlight a commitment to innovative techniques, meticulous detail, and creative execution across film, television, and live performance.

The awards provide valuable insights into the trends and advancements within these specialized crafts. As the industry continues to evolve, the contributions of make-up artists and hair stylists remain integral to creating compelling and memorable visual experiences for audiences. The continued recognition of these guilds signifies the growing appreciation for the technical and artistic merit that these professionals bring to every production.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards?
These awards celebrate the best make-up and hair work done for movies, TV shows, and live plays. They show how important these jobs are for telling stories.
Q: Which movies won awards?
Movies like "Frankenstein" won for special make-up. "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" also won for make-up and hair.
Q: Who got special awards?
Michael Johnston won the Vanguard Award. Greg Nelson and Judy Alexander Cory received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their long careers.