The 14th annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards (MUAHS) celebrated excellence in film, television, commercials, and live theater on Saturday night in Los Angeles. The ceremony, hosted by actress Rachael Harris at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, honored the artistry behind some of the year’s most striking visual transformations.
Feature Film Winners
Netflix’s Frankenstein took home the award for Best Special Make-Up Prosthetics, with Mike Hill and Megan Many recognized for their groundbreaking work. Warner Bros.’ One Battle After Another dominated the contemporary categories, winning Best Contemporary Make-Up and Best Contemporary Hair Styling. Meanwhile, Sinners earned accolades for Best Period and/or Character Make-Up and Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling, cementing its place as a standout in historical styling. Both Frankenstein and Sinners are nominated for the Oscars in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category, while One Battle After Another made the shortlist but did not secure a nomination.
Television Highlights
Apple TV+ productions shined in the television categories. The Studio won for Best Contemporary Make-Up and Best Contemporary Hair Styling, while Palm Royale earned awards for Best Period and/or Character Make-Up and Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling. Netflix’s Stranger Things: Season 5 was honored for Best Special Make-Up Prosthetics, showcasing the series’ continued excellence in creature design. NBC’s Saturday Night Live scored two wins, including Best Contemporary Make-Up and Best Period and/or Character Make-Up and Prosthetics, while Dancing With the Stars and the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special also picked up awards.
Other Categories
Disney+’s Skeleton Crew won in both children’s television categories, while Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra music video and Walmart’s WhoKnewVille holiday campaign were recognized in the commercials and music video categories. Live theater productions The Monkey King and Frankenstein also received honors for their stage artistry.
Special Honors
Actress Amy Madigan, star of Weapons, received the Distinguished Artisan Award. Additional honorary awards included the Vanguard Award for Michael Johnston, a Lifetime Achievement Award for Make-Up for Greg Nelson, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for Hair Stylists for Judy Alexander Cory. The MUAHS Guild Awards continue to serve as a key predictor for the Oscars, with most Academy winners in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category first recognized by the guild.
