Final Oscar Predictions: Makeup and Hairstyling — An Unpredictable Race Unfolds With Impressive Prosthetics and Stunning Designs

Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling Commentary (Updated Jan. 21, 2025): The lineup of the Oscar shortlist for makeup and hairstyling is overflowing with physical, emotional, and downright otherworldly transformations. Ten films made the cut, and while some inclusions were expected, others shocked even the most seasoned awards watchers. From fantastical creatures to real-world icons, this year’s contenders prove that artistry with a brush and a prosthetic can be just as integral to storytelling as any camera or script.

Sebastian Stan appears on the shortlist twice this year, and for good reason. Aaron Schimberg’s “A Different Man” required a jarring yet seamless visual transformation, using prosthetics to explore themes of identity and self-loathing. And while it’s not every day you see Donald Trump on the Oscars shortlist, Stan’s striking transformation into the young real estate mogul under the direction of Ali Abbasi has generated plenty of buzz — and controversy. AMPAS voters did not shy away from it.

After its puzzling absence from the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild nominations, Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi sequel “Dune: Part Two” came roaring back, along with Pablo Larraín’s Maria Callas biopic “Maria” and Robert Eggers’ gothic horror drama “Nosferatu.”

The most shocking addition, Bill Fishman’s “Waltzing with Brando,” appeared out of nowhere. The film stars Billy Zane as the iconic movie star Marlon Brando, and the makeup work here strikes an impressive balance between mimicry and authenticity. The biggest surprise? Few even knew the film had a U.S.-qualifying release, as it was conspicuously absent from Critics Choice, Golden Globes and BAFTA viewing portals for consideration. Whether it’s a genuine dark horse or an industry curiosity, its inclusion sparks some intrigue.

Notably absent from the shortlist were Reinaldo Marcus Green’s music biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” and Nathan and David Zellner’s absurdist fantasy “Sasquatch Sunset,” both rumored to have strong support in the branch. For shame.

The 97th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2. All movie listings, titles, distributors, and credited artisans are not final and are subject to change.