Lincoln (2012)

With his portrayal of the U.S.’ 16th president, Daniel Day-Lewis became the only person to score three Oscars for Best Actor. It’s hardly a slight to his talent to suggest that one deciding factor in that win was Lois Burwell’s makeup. She had to come up with a look that fit the audience’s preconceptions while also not getting in the actor’s way with bulky prosthetics or a lengthy application. She also needed to reflect the growing stress Lincoln suffered through the final days of the Civil War and the fight to pass the Emancipation Proclamation. Working in conversation with Day-Lewis and with key makeup artist Kenny Myers she came up with a simple, visually effective design that helped bring The Great Emancipator to life.

d. Steven Spielberg, 150m, DCP