BAFTAs 2024: An Insight into the Makeup and Hair Nominees & Winners

Last night was a night to celebrate the film industry and appreciate every aspect that goes into the making of some of our favourite movies.

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) celebrate the best British and international contributions to film in the past year, including a category for ‘Makeup and Hair’. Each year, we are delighted to see nominations for films our graduates have worked on such as ‘Maestro’ ‘Wonka’ ‘Napoleon’ and ‘Barbie’ to name a few.

We wanted to delve into the looks for each nominated film as well as the 2024 BAFTA Winner for Makeup and Hair, ‘Poor Things’.

‘Poor things’ – Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, Josh Weston

In the film “Poor Things,” the makeup and hair design play a crucial role in bringing the characters and the Victorian-era setting to life. Led by the talented makeup artist Nadia Stacey, who has a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail, the film’s makeup and hair design evoke the gritty realism and whimsical charm of the story. Nadia Stacey has contributed to award-winning films such as “The Favourite” and “Baby Driver.” Stacey’s creativity and attention to detail have earned her prestigious nominations and awards, including a previous BAFTA for Best Makeup and Hair

Set in Victorian-era Glasgow, the makeup captures the nuances of the time period, with attention to historical accuracy and character authenticity. From the pallor of Bella Baxter’s resurrected complexion to the eccentricity of Dr. Archibald McCandless’s appearance, each character’s makeup reflects their personality and journey within the narrative.

The hair design further enhances the visual storytelling, with intricate styles that reflect the social status and personality of each character. Bella Baxter’s hair, for example, may undergo a transformation from disheveled to elegant as she navigates her newfound existence, while Dr. McCandless’s eccentric hairstyle adds to his enigmatic allure.

Overall, the makeup and hair design in “Poor Things”  and the collaboration between Stacey, Coulier, and Weston ensures a seamless blend of traditional makeup techniques and innovative prosthetics, adding depth and authenticity to the film’s visuals transporting viewers to a vividly imagined Victorian world filled with intrigue, humour, and dark secrets.

‘Napoleon’– Jana Carboni, Francesco Pegoretti,, Satinder Chumber, Julia Vernon

In the epic film “Napoleon,” the makeup and hair design by the talented team of Jana Carboni, Francesco Pegoretti, Satinder Chumber, and Julia Vernon contribute significantly to the portrayal of characters and the historical setting. Set against the backdrop of Napoleon Bonaparte’s tumultuous life and era-defining conquests, the makeup and hair design capture the essence of 18th and 19th-century Europe with remarkable attention to detail.

The team’s expertise extends to creating period-appropriate hairstyles and intricate hairpieces that complement the costumes and help transport audiences back in time. Whether it’s elaborate updos for the nobility or rugged styles for soldiers on the front lines, each hair design reflects the social status, personality, and historical context of the characters.

‘Killers of The Flower Moon’ – Kay Georgiou, Thomas Nellen

In the highly anticipated film “Killers of The Flower Moon,” the makeup and hair designs by Kay Georgiou and Thomas Nellen play a pivotal role in bringing the story’s characters to life. Set against the backdrop of the Osage Nation murders in 1920s Oklahoma, the film delves into a harrowing tale of greed, betrayal, and justice.

Their attention to detail authentically represents the societal status and historical context of each individual, contributing to the storytelling of this gripping historical drama.

‘Maestro’– Sian Grigg, Kay Georgiou, Kazu Hiro, Lori McCoy-Bell

In “Maestro,” makeup and hair artists Sian Grigg, Kay Georgiou, Kazu Hiro, and Lori McCoy-Bell skilfully show an in depths side of the classical music world. The film chronicles the life and career of a renowned conductor, weaving a tale of passion, ambition, and artistic triumph.

From elegant hairstyles and stage makeup for performers to enhancements for the lead characters, every aspect of the makeup and hair design is thoughtfully executed to enhance the storyline. Whether it’s capturing the glamour of a concert hall performance or the intimate moments backstage, Grigg, Georgiou, Hiro, and McCoy-Bell’s work immerses viewers in the world of “Maestro,” bringing its characters and settings to vivid life.

‘Oppenheimer’– Luisa Abel, Jaime Leigh McIntosh, Jason Hamer, Ahou Mofid

“Oppenheimer” won the BAFTA for Best Film last night. The makeup and hair designs by Luisa Abel, Jaime Leigh McIntosh, Jason Hamer, and Ahou Mofid contribute to the atmospheric portrayal of one of the most significant figures in modern history. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film delves into the complex life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant physicist known as the “father of the atomic bomb.”

The makeup and hair designs authentically capture the essence of the era, with Abel, McIntosh, Hamer, and Mofid paying close attention to historical accuracy. Whether it’s the subtle nuances of Oppenheimer’s appearance or the period-appropriate hairstyles of the supporting cast, every detail is carefully considered to transport audiences in the world of 20th-century America.

Whatever course you choose at The Iver Makeup Academy, you’ll experience the full spectrum of techniques used for on-screen makeup. We give students the fundamental training and skills in all areas, from special effects and prosthetics to airbrushing and wig dressing. Then, if you prefer a particular area of expertise, you can go on to get specialist training.

We’re based at Pinewood Studios, giving our students the opportunity to gain practical experience and learn from award-winning tutors who have worked on film sets. The Iver Makeup Academy has an agency that can help secure opportunities to work in the film industry for all course graduates.  BAFTA scholarships are also available at The Iver Makeup Academy. We’re here to help you make the right choice, so if you’d like to learn more about our courses, please contact us.