As the nominations for the 87th Academy Awards draws nearer, the Academy has been busy announcing the contenders that are advancing in certain categories.  We've seen the Best Visual Effects shortlist, a few days ago we got a look at the eligible contenders for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, and today seven films advanced in the race for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.  Surprisingly, the lavish Disney musical Into the Woods failed to make the cut, as did The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (though Desolation of Smaug was left out too) and, more disappointingly, Snowpiercer.  Regardless, the seven finalists showcase a number of fantastic pieces of work from the year, from Foxcatcher’s subtle and seamless transformations to more showy work like Guardians of the Galaxy.  Even The Theory of Everything made the list.  But only three films will be nominated, so this list will be whittled down by more than half.

Check out the full list of Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar finalists after the jump, along with a bit more analysis.

foxcatcher-channing-tatum-steve-carell-1

Here’s the full list of contenders that made the shortlist for the Oscar:

  • The Amazing Spider-Man 2
  • Foxcatcher
  • The Grand Budapest Hotel
  • Guardians of the Galaxy
  • Maleficent
  • Noah
  • The Theory of Everything

From where I’m standing, the two strongest contenders to land the eventual win appear to be Guardians of the Galaxy and Foxcatcher.  They’re tonal opposites as films, but each shows how varied the field of makeup is and the impact great work can have on a finished film.  As for the third slot, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Maleficent sneak in, and The Grand Budapest Hotel would be a welcome addition.  I wouldn’t count The Theory of Everything out either.

What about you folks?  Regardless of these Oscar finalists, what film do you think had the best makeup and hairstyling of the year?  Sound off in the comments below.

maleficent-2-angelina-jolie
Image via Disney