'Sinners,' 'Frankenstein,' and 'Palm Royale' Triumph at 13th MUAHS Awards

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – February 17, 2026 – The artists who shape the faces and fashion the hair of cinema’s most memorable characters were celebrated this past Saturday at the 13th Annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) Awards. In a glittering ceremony at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, IATSE Local 706 honored the technical mastery and creative genius behind the year's most visually stunning productions across film, television, and theater.

Hosted by actress and producer Rachael Harris, the sold-out gala saw major wins for the Warner Bros. period drama Sinners and Netflix's monstrous reimagining of Frankenstein. In television, Apple TV+ continued its strong showing with multiple awards for The Studio and Palm Royale, while Netflix's global hit Stranger Things once again proved its dominance in special effects. The evening was not just a celebration of current projects but also a poignant tribute to industry legends, with special honors bestowed upon actress Amy Madigan and pioneering artists Michael Johnston, Greg Nelson, and Judy Alexander Cory for their indelible contributions to the craft.

A Night of Triumphs for Period Pieces and Prosthetics

The feature motion picture categories highlighted a year defined by meticulous historical recreation and groundbreaking prosthetic work. Sinners swept the period categories, earning awards for Best Period and/or Character Make-Up and Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling. The wins underscore the industry's deep appreciation for the detailed artistry required to transport audiences to another era. The film's success at the MUAHS Awards may signal strong momentum heading into the Academy Awards, where it is also nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Warner Bros. also found success with One Battle After Another, which secured wins for both Best Contemporary Make-Up and Best Contemporary Hair Styling, celebrating the subtle yet crucial work that grounds modern characters in reality. However, the night's most talked-about technical achievement was recognized with the award for Best Special Make-Up Prosthetics, which went to Netflix's Frankenstein. The team, led by Mike Hill and Megan Many, was lauded for its transformative and emotionally resonant creature design, another achievement that aligns with a current Oscar nomination.

On the television side, the competition was equally fierce. Apple TV+’s Palm Royale mirrored the success of Sinners, winning for both Best Period and/or Character Make-Up and Hair Styling in a limited series. The show's vibrant and precise 1960s aesthetic has been a critical component of its acclaim. Its network counterpart, The Studio, took home the contemporary equivalent awards for make-up and hair styling. Meanwhile, the final season of Stranger Things continued its awards reign, with Barrie Gower and his team winning for Best Special Effects/Make-Up Prosthetics, a testament to their years of creating the iconic and terrifying creatures of the Upside Down.

Other notable television winners included the perennial favorite Saturday Night Live, which won multiple awards for its versatile and fast-paced artistry, and Dancing with the Stars for contemporary hair styling. Disney+'s Skeleton Crew also received two awards in the Children and Teen Television categories, highlighting the increasing sophistication and quality of craftsmanship in programming for younger audiences.

Honoring the Architects of Imagination

Beyond the competitive awards, the evening was anchored by heartfelt tributes to four industry titans whose work has left a lasting legacy. Actress Amy Madigan received the Distinguished Artisan Award, presented by Weapons director Zach Cregger. The award celebrates performers who demonstrate a profound understanding and collaboration with make-up and hair artists. Madigan, a recent Oscar nominee for her role in Weapons, was praised for her commitment to using make-up and hair as essential tools for character building throughout her storied career in films like Field of Dreams and Twice in a Lifetime.

The Vanguard Award was presented to Emmy-nominated make-up artist Michael Johnston, a trailblazer in children's and teen television. For over three decades, Johnston was a key creative force at Nickelodeon, defining the look of iconic shows like All That, iCarly, Victorious, and Henry Danger. Presented by his longtime friend Frankie Grande, the award recognized Johnston's unique ability to create whimsical, trend-setting styles that resonated with millions of young viewers, as well as his dedicated service to the Guild, where he was instrumental in establishing an awards category for children's television.

Two Lifetime Achievement Awards celebrated careers that spanned Hollywood's golden and digital ages. Greg Nelson, an Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning make-up artist, was honored for a 50-year career that included creating the iconic look for Michael Jackson's Thriller, transforming actors in Raging Bull and Batman Returns, and designing the face of Ronald McDonald for four decades. Renowned hairstylist Judy Alexander Cory received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Hair Styling, presented by Oscar-winner Kathy Bates. Cory’s nearly 60-year career includes work on everything from Elvis Presley's Clambake to classics like Forrest Gump and the revolutionary sci-fi of The Matrix, showcasing an incredible range and adaptation to the evolving demands of filmmaking.

The Guild: Championing the Unseen Artists

The MUAHS Awards serve as more than just an industry party; they are a powerful statement on the essential, and often overlooked, role that make-up and hair styling play in the art of storytelling. The event, livestreamed to a global audience, pulls back the curtain on the immense skill, research, and innovation required to build characters from the outside in. From the subtle aging effects in a contemporary drama to the complex prosthetics of a fantasy epic, these artists are fundamental architects of the cinematic experience.

The Guild, IATSE Local 706, represents over 2,300 of these professionals, advocating for their rights and promoting their craft. The sold-out ceremony, attended by more than 850 guild members and industry executives, underscored the strong sense of community and mutual respect among these artisans. As Local 706 President Julie Socash presided over the evening, the awards highlighted the incredible diversity of the craft, with winners from live theater productions like The Monkey King and Frankenstein, commercials for Walmart, and music videos for Lady Gaga.

The night’s winners and honorees reflect a craft that is constantly evolving, embracing new technologies while honoring timeless techniques. The celebration of artists like Judy Alexander Cory, whose career bridged distinct eras of filmmaking, and Michael Johnston, who defined a niche genre, demonstrates a deep respect for the history and future of the profession. As the lights dimmed on the 13th annual ceremony, the message was clear: the magic of Hollywood is not just in the stars on screen, but in the hands of the artists who help them shine.