Oscars 2021 Review: 8 Ups & 8 Downs

2. Best Makeup & Hairstyling: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Beats Pinocchio

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Viola Davis Chadwick Boseman
Netflix

Another disappointing-yet-predictable calculation from the Academy was the decision to award the Best Makeup & Hairstyling Oscar to Ma Rainey's Black Bottom over Pinocchio.

Though the winning film certainly did a fine job with its makeup and hair work - particularly that applied to a perennially sweaty Viola Davis - Pinocchio's next-level makeup truly felt innovative and groundbreaking in ways that Ma Rainey's Black Bottom just didn't.

The fact that a quick glance at Pinocchio's face would likely leave most viewers assuming he was a CGI fabrication is all the proof you need of the gorgeously textured and contoured makeup job for not only the title character but all the fantastical creations throughout the film.

Sadly Pinocchio was easily the least well-known of the five nominees, and considering most Oscar voters clearly didn't even watch it, it didn't stand much of a chance.

Advertisement
In this post: 
Oscars 2021
 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.