Final Oscar Predictions: Makeup and Hairstyling — ‘Frankenstein’ Leads the Charge With Body Horror and Biopics Vying for Attention

Key Highlights

• Predictions are updated every Thursday.
• Explore Awards Circuit Predictions PagesOscars  |  Emmys  |  Grammys  |  Tonys “The Smashing Machine” Oscars Best Makeup and Hairstyling Commentary (Updated Jan.
• 21, 2026): The makeup and hairstyling shortlist proved to be one of the season’s most delightfully unpredictable categories, mixing expected blockbuster contenders with scrappier independent fare that managed to muscle its way into the conversation.
• Barry Levinson’s first-quarter crime drama “The Alto Knights” raised eyebrows as an early-year entry that successfully maintained momentum through a crowded awards season.
• But the real cause for celebration came from the offices of IFC and GKids — two indie distributors that pulled off impressive campaigns to secure spots for the Norwegian body horror entry “The Ugly Stepsister” and the Japanese drama “Kokuho” (which also made the international feature shortlist).