Even though it didn’t win in Makeup & Hair, Hamnet’s look was recognised with a nomination at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards and that nod itself says a lot about how much thought went into the film’s hair and makeup.
Instead of relying on obvious period spectacle, the team took a naturalistic, emotionally grounded approach that fit the story’s intimate, human focus. In Hamnet, the makeup and hair choices help communicate the emotional and psychological arcs of the characters from the everyday wear on a working family to the subtle physical effects of grief and loss. That means muted, authentic skin tones and hairstyles that feel appropriate to the late 16th century, but without feeling “costumed.”
Jessie Buckley’s character, Agnes Hathaway, often appears with softly styled hair and minimal makeup, letting her emotional vulnerability take centre stage. In contrast, other characters’ grooming reflects their place in society and the physical toll of the events they go through, all while keeping the overall look grounded in realism rather than theatricality.
This restraint making characters look lived‑in rather than made‑up is exactly what helped the design stand out among the other nominees in the Makeup & Hair category at the BAFTAs.
“Marty Supreme” – Kyra Panchenko, Kay Georgiou and Mike Fontaine
The team focused on creating a gritty, lived-in look that brought Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Mauser to life in 1950s New York.
The makeup subtly transformed Chalamet with textured skin, light prosthetic pockmarks, and carefully blended scars that felt natural rather than theatrical. Small details like a shaped ’50s mustache and a hand-crafted unibrow added to the authenticity, showing the character’s rough, working-class world and obsessive drive.
Hair design mirrored this realism Marty’s classic ’50s cut was soft and textured, styled to move naturally during action, yet firmly grounded in the period. Every choice in hair and makeup served the character and story, making Marty feel real and lived-in, which earned the team their BAFTA nomination.
“Sinners” – Siân Richards, Shunika Terry, Ken Diaz, and Mike Fontaine
Rather than going for overly dramatic transformations, our team focused on richly layered, character‑driven design that grounded the story’s supernatural elements in gritty realism. Everyday grooming and texture work helped define key characters from worn‑in hairstyles that reflected the film’s 1930s setting to subtle aging and distressing in the makeup that hinted at emotional and physical strain.
For the more eerie aspects of Sinners, like its supernatural themes, the designers used controlled prosthetic accents and carefully blended shading to add depth without pulling audiences out of the world. The balance between natural‑looking character work and heightened, ghostly touches subtly supported the film’s tone of tension and drama.
Overall, the hairstyling and makeup didn’t just dress actors for a period piece it helped shape the way each character was felt on screen, contributing to the film’s immersive atmosphere and its BAFTA nomination in the category.
“Wicked: For Good” – Frances Hannon, Laura Blount, Mark Coulier, and Sarah Nuth
Head designer Frances Hannon built on the look from the first Wicked film, using makeup and hair to show how the characters have changed. Hair and wig work for Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) evolves into a looser, longer style as her strength and independence grow, while Glinda (Ariana Grande) gets a subtle shift in eye‑focused makeup stronger lashes and softer colours to give her a more mature, emotional presence without losing her iconic brightness.
The team’s work with prosthetics and texture also shines in the fantastical character transformations. Fiyero’s shift into the Scarecrow involved adding real straw, hay‑like textures, and carefully integrated pieces that kept Jonathan Bailey’s expressions intact, balancing fantasy and realism. Collaborating with prosthetics expert Mark Coulier, they also crafted natural‑feeling looks for other magical figures like the Tin Man, ensuring the makeup never pulled focus from the actors’ performances.
Every choice from subtle contouring to elaborate character prosthetics was made to support emotional arc and world‑building, helping Wicked: For Good feel both grounded and magical, and earning the team well‑deserved BAFTA recognition.
In conclusion, the 2026 BAFTA Awards celebrated the pinnacle of cinematic excellence, showcasing remarkable talent and creativity across various categories. Among the nominees, the makeup and hair designers and teams stood out for their exceptional contributions to the visual storytelling of the nominated films.
A massive congratulations to all Winners and Nominees at the 2026 BAFTAs!
Want to become an award-winning film makeup artist?
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 work 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.
