‘The Substance’ and ‘Wicked’ Lead 2025 Makeup and Hairstylist Awards Winners

“The Substance” and “Wicked” took home the top prizes at the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706) Awards.

The guild held its 12th annual awards ceremony at a new venue, moving from the Beverly Hilton Hotel to the Fairmont Plaza in Century City.

IATSE President Matthew Loeb started the show and called on Local 706 members to be generous “in this time.”

Loeb says, “There’s much to celebrate the incredible work that the members of local 706 do, their spirit of perseverance, appreciation of life, life in the arts, and their determination to rebuild.”

He announced that the evening was dedicated to the Walsh/ Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation to raise money to help those impacted by the wildfires. Loeb said, “16 members of the local 706 lost their homes among the 300 IATSE members who also lost their homes in this devastating fire. I want to thank the leadership of the local union for the great work they’ve done, stepping up to help the membership, not just of the local but of the members at the industry at large.”

“The West Wing” actor Dulè Hill presented the prestigious Distinguished Artisan Award to Allison Janney. Hill announced that Janney was not able to attend due to a scheduling conflict, accepting in her place would be “Alexis Carrington.” “Alexis” stepped out and it was Janney. After a standing ovation, Janney said, “It’s me…I’m sorry she’s much shorter than I am.” Janney told the crowd of makeup and hairstylists, “I just always wanted to be a character in ‘Dynasty.’ I wanted to look like Joan Collins.”

The Vanguard Award was bestowed upon the Research Council of Makeup Artists (RCMA Makeup). Hair stylist Peter Tothpal, known for his work on “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Hair Stylists.

Make-up artist Todd McIntosh, known for his work on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Memoirs of a Geisha,” received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Make-Up. Sarah Michelle Gellar who collaborated with McIntosh on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” presented the award.

In TV, “Saturday Night Live” which celebrates its 50th anniversary, led with four wins, including contemporary makeup, period makeup and special make-up effects.

“The Substance,” which was nominated for three awards, and went home with two awards, remains a firm favorite to win on March 2 when the Oscars are announced. Pierre-Olivier Persin, “The Substance” special makeup effects designer and Variety’s Artisans Award recipient, explained that director Coralie Fargeat wanted to use practical effects instead of digital CGI, where possible. “70-80% of what you see is practical,” he told Variety.

Francis Hannon, also nominated for an Oscar created a checklist when transforming Cynthia Erivo into Elphaba for “Wicked.” The makeup couldn’t look painted on; the shade of green should compliment Erivo’s “extraordinarily beautiful” features; and the color needed to work in every light. The product also needed to last all day and not transfer onto Erivo’s co-star Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, or the elaborate costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.

Full list of winners below.

FEATURE-LENGTH MOTION PICTURE:

Best Contemporary Make-Up

“The Substance” (MUBI)