The makeup branch of the Academy has often been criticized for making “Oscar nominees” of artistically dubious films. But I submit that it’s one of the bravest and noblest branches, sticking properly by the point of their task: to single out the greatest achievement in their field, no matter the other factors.
This year’s line-up is a clear indication of as much. Each nominee is unique to this category, having not been recognized in any other field. The variety of work is also compelling, including realism and fantasy in equal measure. But the branch once again turned its back on a number of more gruesome makeup depictions this year, which seems to be a hurdle yet to be cleared.
The nominees are:
“Barney’s Version” (Adrien Morot)
“The Way Back” (Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng)
“The Wolfman” (Rick Baker and Dave Elsey)