The Oscar for Best Makeup & Hairstyling is sometimes more of an award for most makeup and hairstyling. The nominees in the category this year don’t prove to be an exception to this trend, which is not to say there isn’t quality work in the makeup, hair, and prosthetic work in the three films. It is simply to say that these aspects of mise en scene are quite noticeable.

The Nominees:

• Border
• Mary Queen of Scots
• Vice

Will Win: Vice

Could Win: Mary Queen of Scots

Dark Horse: Border

There is something distinct about the makeup work in Border. Border is doing something distinct in a number of ways. But the film is a non-traditional Oscar picture, in general. Its more outlandish qualities will likely turn off some voters, particularly old guard Academy members. More importantly, Border is the least-seen film of the three.

The most-seen film, and the one with the most traditionally “Academy” makeup work, is Vice. Prosthetic work is a fav of the Academy. Darkest Hour is the most recent recipient of this award for doing pretty much the exact same thing to Gary Oldman that Vice does to Christian Bale.

Mary Queen of Scots puts up some fierce competition, but I don’t think there is enough of a campaign behind the film to usurp Vice. Doing so would prove to be a traditional upset, but it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

As always, thanks for reading!

Like CineFiles on Facebook for updates on new articles and reviews

Check out my page on Letterboxd

—Alex Brannan (@TheAlexBrannan)