The Hair and Makeup Group Behind ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ on Building Oscars Record
Lopez-Rivera knew straight away he had to express the deficiency of access that Black girls experienced to cosmetics. “I experienced to go back to exactly where Ma Rainey came from,” the Spanish make-up artist suggests. “Her training wheels in phase were in vaudeville. I’m having to fill in the blanks for when and wherever this female uncovered to do makeup. For the reason that there was no access, she experienced to make a whole lot of her stuff and use it herself.”
So Lopez-Rivera—who’s accomplished the faces of Audra McDonald, Allison Janney, Anika Noni Rose, and Reese Witherspoon—used his pinky finger to faucet, rub, and draw all in excess of Davis’s facial area. He deliberately built a single eyebrow increased to avoid producing symmetry or perfection. The BAFTA Award nominee relied on oral histories his grandmother generally shared with him about gals throughout the Spanish Civil War employing burned wine corks and grease to make their own eyeshadow.
Sergio Lopez-Rivera’s sketch for Ma Rainey’s make-up
Photograph: Courtesy of Sergio Lopez-RiveraRainey, a rich lady who wore furs and jewels irrespective of the year, did her personal makeup at each individual tour end. “I wanted to include this Diy top quality to Viola and her character,” suggests Lopez-Rivera. “Our task was to erase the 21st century from Viola. When each and every department treats this substance the exact way—with the identical curiosity, authenticity, and willingness to be incredibly specific—this is what you get: a film that is so textured, genuine, and wonderful.”
Receiving the Oscar nomination is a shared very pleased minute in between Neal, Wilson, and Lopez-Rivera. They are grateful that they trusted Davis’s request. No matter whether they get or not, the trio hopes the honor will inspire far more Black and brown creatives and all those from underrepresented communities to search for out the options that exist guiding the scenes in entertainment.
“The prospects are limitless, and this nomination proves that,” Neal confirms. “Evolution is inescapable, and it is happening. Any African American or youthful person of coloration likely into this field need to know folks do want range. Erase your individual fears, uncertainties, and preconceived notions. You are wanted, and you will be welcomed. Go in and perform challenging because there is place for you, and we’re living examples of that.”