By April MacIntyre Jun 28, 2009, 2:13 GMT
Academy Governor Leonard Engelman, who was an award-winning makeup artist during his long career, and past president of the I.A.T.S.E. MAHS Local 706, has shared with Monsters and Critics the latest Oscar news that impacts the craft of makeup and hairstyling.
Leonard Engelman attends the AMPAS' "Makeup Artists & Hairstylists" Seminar Series - Beauty Makeup at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Courtesy of Mr. Engelman
Mr. Engelman presented his case to the Board of Governors Meeting for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that "the present hiring process, makeup responsibilities, and the complications of the art today has made it increasingly difficult to properly recognize award achievement with two nominees (statues) and requested the number be revised to the possibility of three statues.”
The Board of Governors agreed with Mr. Engelman, and beginning this year the maximum number of Oscar nominees per film may be three nominees.
According to Mr. Engelman, "For makeup artist and hairstylists in the film industry this is a tremendously important change to the Academy rules."
"These few choice words give the Branch and the Academy an opportunity to better recognize the great achievements seen on screen today. We know that what is accomplished for an Oscar Nominated film in most cases is not solely accomplished by one, two, or even three artists, but by a group of artists working together. This change will better recognize those that accomplished, or those that led," added Mr. Engelman.
Leonard Engelman's presentation to the Board consisted of the following points:
In choosing the films for the Makeup Award, the Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Branch goes to great length to first determine what is specifically being recognized: (a) makeup for the film in its entirety; (b) makeup and hairstyling for the film in its entirety; (c) makeup for a character(s); (d) makeup and hairstyling for a character(s). Once this is decided comes the job of determining who is most responsible for the look or looks being recognized.
"A nominee for the Makeup Award must be a makeup artist. The individual must be involved in the daily hands-on application or overseeing of the makeup being recognized; or oversee the design, creation, and application of the makeup being recognized, and involved hands-on with the makeup and camera tests," said Mr. Engelman.
"When the hairstyles and/or hair effects contribute greatly to the appearance and effects of the character, the hairstylist most responsible for the hair design work may be included in the Makeup Award."
Mr. Engelman explained further, "Today, every production has a 'department head.' However, unlike other crafts, that does not mean the department head is in charge of the complicated, precise makeups being done. In many cases, the production company hires the department head after hiring the individuals performing the complexities - often specific lab or a specific makeup artist - who may operate without control or input from the department head in what is now called 'special makeup effects.' "
Examples of such collaborative large makeup departments include films such as “Hellboy II”, “The Dark Knight,” "Pirates of the Caribbean" and “Tropic Thunder.” This establishes various individuals responsible for various looks. In many cases this creates three separate areas of responsibility: Makeup, Special Makeup Effects, and Hairstyling.
"Even when a department head is in charge, this does not mean that person can reasonably accomplish everything including the very important application," explained Mr. Engelman.
A perfect example is the film, “Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
"The two Oscars went to very deserving Rick Baker for Makeup, and Gail Ryan for Hairstyling. Rick was in charge and oversaw all aspects of the makeup on the film while Gail did the same with the very creative hairstyling, shared Mr. Engelman who noted that the "800-pound gorilla in the room was the Grinch character."
"Although Rick oversaw the creation and had input on the character, Kazuhiro Tsuji sculpted the creation and applied the complicated makeup every day on Jim Carrey. There is no question that Kazuhiro should have received an award."
From The Academy, a portion of the new Makeup Award Rules:
Special Rules for the Makeup Award
II. Eligibility
1. Makeup artist and hairstylist members of the Academy shall attend meetings to review a reminder list of all eligible motion pictures. Selected credited makeup artists and hairstylists of the motion picture under consideration for the Makeup award shall be required to provide the committee with written descriptions explaining the procedures used to create the makeup achievements, and the names and titles of the primary individuals – not to exceed three in number - directly involved with, and principally responsible for, the makeup and hairstyling achieved.
No more than two statuettes will normally be given in the Makeup category. On occasion, a third statuette may be awarded when there are three primary and essential contributors to the achievement(s).
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