The Hair and Makeup Team Behind ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ on Making Oscars History

Lopez-Rivera knew instantly he needed to convey the dearth of entry that Black ladies needed to cosmetics. “I had to return to the place Ma Rainey got here from,” the Spanish make-up artist says. “Her coaching wheels on-stage had been in vaudeville. I’m having to fill within the blanks for when and the place this lady discovered to do make-up. Because there was no entry, she has to make a variety of her stuff and apply it herself.”So Lopez-Rivera, who’s performed the faces of Andra McDonald, Allison Janney, Anika Noni Rose and Reese Witherspoon, used his pinky finger to faucet, rub and draw throughout Davis’s face. He deliberately made one eyebrow larger than the opposite to keep away from creating symmetry or perfection. The BAFTA Award nominee relied on oral histories his grandmother usually shared with him about ladies through the Spanish Civil War utilizing burned wine corks and grease to make their very own eyeshadow.Sergio Lopez-Rivera’s sketch for Ma Rainey’s make-up.
Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Lopez-RiveraMa Rainey, a rich lady who wore furs and jewels whatever the season, did her personal make-up at each tour cease. “I wished to include this DIY high quality to Viola and her character,” says Lopez-Rivera. “Our job was to erase the twenty first Century from Viola. When each division treats this materials the identical method with the identical curiosity, authenticity and willingness to be very particular, that is what you get: a film that’s so textured, genuine and stunning.”Receiving the Oscar nomination is a shared proud second between Neal, Wilson and Lopez-Rivera. They’re grateful that they trusted Davis’s request. The trio hopes the consideration, whether or not they win or not, will encourage extra Black and brown creatives and these from underrepresented communities to hunt out the chances that exist behind-the-scenes in leisure.“The prospects are countless, and this nomination proves that,” Neal confirms. “Evolution is inevitable, and it’s occurring. Any African-American or younger particular person of colour going into this area ought to know folks do need range. Erase your individual fears, doubts, and preconceived notions. You are wished, and you may be welcomed. Go in and work exhausting as a result of there may be house for you, and we’re residing examples of that.”Photo: Courtesy of Netflix