OSCARS

Oscar primps with hair and makeup pros

Academy to host three makeup seminars in October

By Scott Feinberg, The Envelope

September 22, 2008

If you've ever wondered how mere mortals are turned into screen idols, you'll probably enjoy the latest seminar series being offered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. From 7 to 10 p.m. on three consecutive Thursdays in October, the academy will convene groups of experts at its Linwood Dunn Theatre, at 1313 Vine St. in Hollywood, for "Makeup Artists and Hairstylists: A Forum on Contemporary Technique." They will chat about their work, share illuminating film clips and take questions from the audience.

The first panel discussion, on Oct. 16, will be devoted to "Beauty Makeup." Moderated by Oscar winner Bill Corso ("Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events"), it will also feature Academy Award nominee Ronnie Specter (" Batman Returns"), academy governor Leonard Engelman ("Moonstruck"), Bob Mills ("Pretty Woman"), and Tricia Sawyer ("Casino").

The second gathering, on Oct. 23, will focus on "Character and Special Makeup Effects." This time, Engelman will moderate, and contributions will come from six-time Oscar winner Rick Baker ("Men in Black"), two-time Oscar winner Greg Cannom ("A Beautiful Mind"), three-time Oscar winner Ve Neill ("Ed Wood"), and two-time Oscar nominee Kazuhiro Tsuji ("Norbit").

The final evening, on Oct. 30, will tackle "Hairstyling." Engelman will again moderate and will be joined onstage by Kathy Blondell ("Cast Away"), J. Roy Helland ("The Devil Wears Prada"), Oscar winner Gail Ryan ("Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas"), and two-time Oscar winner Yolanda Toussieng ("Ed Wood").

Tickets can be purchased from the academy during regular business hours, by mail or online at oscars.org. The price of admission to the entire series is $30 for the general public and $20 for academy members and students with a valid ID; individual seminars are $10 at the door.