MUAHS Awards Honor Top Makeup and Hair Artistry

The 2026 Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards were handed out in Los Angeles.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The 2026 Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards were presented on February 14 at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. The annual awards honor outstanding achievements in makeup artistry and hairstyling across film, TV, music videos, and live stage productions. Several special honors were also given out, including the Distinguished Artisan Award, the Vanguard Award, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Why it matters

The MUAHS Awards are a prestigious recognition of the creative talents of makeup artists and hairstylists in the entertainment industry. Winners often go on to receive Academy Awards in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category, making the MUAHS a key precursor to the Oscars.

The details

The MUAHS Awards have been held annually since 2014, and the winners are selected by the members of IATSE Local 706, the union representing makeup artists and hairstylists. This year's ceremony honored achievements from the 2025 calendar year across 20 different categories spanning film, television, music videos, and live stage productions.

  • The 2026 MUAHS Awards ceremony took place on February 14, 2026.
  • The awards honored achievements from the 2025 calendar year.

The players

Amy Madigan

An Oscar-nominated actress who received the Distinguished Artisan Award, the guild's top career prize.

Michael Johnson

The recipient of the Vanguard Award.

Greg Nelson

A two-time Emmy-winning makeup artist who received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Judy Alexander Cory

A two-time Oscar-nominated hairstylist who received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

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The takeaway

The MUAHS Awards continue to be a prestigious recognition of the exceptional talent and creativity of makeup artists and hairstylists in the entertainment industry, with winners often going on to receive the highest honors at the Academy Awards.