Several films have been celebrated for their outstanding hair and makeup artistry, achieving critical acclaim and numerous awards for their transformative and innovative designs. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014), directed by Wes Anderson, won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for its elaborate period hairstyles and distinctive character makeup. The meticulous attention to detail in hair and makeup contributed significantly to the film’s unique visual style and whimsical storytelling. Similarly, "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), directed by George Miller, received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for its bold and dystopian designs. The film’s inventive use of makeup and hairstyles played a crucial role in establishing its post-apocalyptic world and creating memorable, visually striking characters.

Another critically acclaimed film is "Darkest Hour" (2017), directed by Joe Wright, which won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The film’s makeup team, led by Kazu Hiro, Robert A. Pandini, and Luca Savi, was praised for their exceptional work in transforming Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill, capturing the historical figure’s appearance with remarkable accuracy. "Vice" (2018), directed by Adam McKay, also earned an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for its work on transforming Christian Bale into Dick Cheney. The film’s makeup team, including Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan, and Nicki Ledermann, was recognized for their detailed and effective prosthetics. "The Whale" (2022), directed by Darren Aronofsky, and "Cruella" (2021), directed by Craig Gillespie, both received accolades for their exceptional hair and makeup work. These films illustrate the pivotal role that hair and makeup play in character development and storytelling, achieving significant recognition for their craft.