Oscars 2025: Unveiling Mikey Madison's Transformation through Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry

In the world of film, the hair and make-up teams often play a significant role in bringing characters to life. This was evident in the recent releases of Anora and The Substance, both of which delved into feminist themes in the context of late capitalism.

At the premiere of Anora in Cannes, the excitement was palpable. Make-up artists Justine Sierakowski and AJ, who were responsible for the transformative looks in the film, were seated next to each other and shared their enthusiasm for Mikey Madison's powerful performance.

The hair and make-up for Mikey's character, Anora, was a standout feature. To achieve the character's unique style, Justine Sierakowski and her team used Colour Wow Dreamcoat Supernatural Spray to control frizz in damp conditions during outdoor filming. Tinsel extensions, attached using microbeads and slip knots, added a striking element to Anora's appearance. To cover any bruises, make-up artist AJ turned to the Sian Richards Hydroproof Palette.

Meanwhile, in The Substance, Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley donned grisly prosthetic designs created by the hair and make-up team. The film's make-up artists also earned an Oscar for their outstanding work.

The Oscars ceremony, held in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025, was a night to remember. Sean Baker made history as the first person to win all four golden statuettes for best director, cinematography, original screenplay, and picture. Brady Corbet and Coralie Fargeat were among the nominees for best director for their respective films The Brutalist and The Substance.

Between filming and the glamour of the Oscars, the hair and make-up teams worked tirelessly to ensure their creations remained in place. A lot of setting spray was used to keep the make-up intact during filming, and IGK Hair Direct Flight and Jet Lag dry shampoo were employed to give Mikey's hair texture and control oil between washes.

The details in the hair and make-up of these films were not just aesthetic choices; they were integral parts of the storytelling. For instance, the dollar symbol nails worn by another character in The Substance were chosen by make-up artist AJ from Joy's Instagram. In Anora, Justine Sierakowski and Annie Johnson researched inspirations for Anora's hair and makeup style by recalling Adrienne Maloof from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" who had tinsel in her hair and a photo of Beyoncé on the red carpet, which Sierakowksi sent to Johnson to develop a natural and shining look for Anora before filming with Sean Baker and Mikey Madison began.

The hair and make-up teams for The Substance and Anora certainly left a lasting impression, demonstrating the power of these artistic elements in shaping the narrative and characters of a film.