'Sinners' and 'Frankenstein' Lead Makeup and Hairstylist Awards Winners
Variety
by jazztangcayFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 13th Annual Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706) Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in makeup and hair styling across film, television, and theater. The feature motion picture categories saw "Sinners," "Frankenstein," and "One Battle After Another" leading the way with top honors. "One Battle After Another" claimed two awards for best contemporary makeup and best contemporary hair styling, with Ahou Mofid emphasizing the film's personal significance during her acceptance speech. She highlighted its themes of freedom and rights, aligning it with global protests advocating for Free Iran.
In a heartfelt moment, Mofid connected the power of storytelling to inspire change, noting the impact of the film on audiences. "Sinners" also made significant strides, winning awards for best period and/or character makeup and hair styling, showcasing its attention to detail in creating authentic characters. On the television front, shows like "The Studio," "Palm Royale," "Stranger Things: Season 5," and "Saturday Night Live" took home accolades, underscoring the versatility of talent across different mediums.
The ceremony, held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, featured Rachael Harris as host and included a livestream to global audiences. Julie Socash, President of Local 706, praised the nominees for their dedication and collaboration, which elevate storytelling through their craft. The event also recognized Sarah Tanno and Phuong Tran with the Commercial/Music Video Award for their work on Lady Gaga’s "Abracadabra" video.
Amy Madigan received the Distinguished Artisan Award, acknowledging her decades of work and the crucial role of hair and makeup teams in shaping characters. Her remarks highlighted the behind-the-scenes efforts that bring characters to life, emphasizing the joy and collaboration involved in the creative process. The awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reinforce the importance of teamwork and artistry in bringing stories to the screen.
This event matters to readers interested in entertainment as it underscores the often-overlooked yet vital contributions of makeup artists and hairstylists in shaping memorable characters and compelling narratives. By honoring these craftspeople, the MUAHS Awards remind us that storytelling is a collaborative effort, where every detail—from a character’s hairstyle to their makeup—plays a critical role in conveying emotions and themes.
Verticals
entertainmentfilm
Originally published on Variety on 2/15/2026