Variety’s 10th annual Artisans Awards, held on February 11 at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, showcased the masterful work of craftspeople who brought visual magic to some of the biggest films of the year. The event, held at the Arlington Theatre in the coastal city, also featured a panel discussion moderated by Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor.
Honoring the Creative Masters
Let’s meet some of this year’s honorees:
Stephane Ceretti: VFX, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
Stephane Ceretti played an integral role in the visual effects of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” He collaborated with the VFX team to bring the character Rocket Racoon to life, from his baby stages to his evolution. Ceretti focused on animating Rocket’s emotions as he grew more human, providing an emotional depth to Rocket’s backstory.
Billie Eilish and Finneas: Song, “What Was I Made For,” from “Barbie”
Billie Eilish and Finneas crafted the heart song for “Barbie.” Their melancholic ballad, titled “What Was I Made For,” resonates deeply with the audience during a pivotal scene between Margot Robbie’s Barbie and Ruth Handler, the creator of the iconic doll. Eilish discovered a personal connection to the Barbie character during the songwriting process, realizing that it reflected her own story.
Ludwig Göransson: Composer, “Oppenheimer”
Ludwig Göransson’s score for “Oppenheimer” has received high praise for its exceptional quality. The film delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy, as he races to build the atomic bomb. Göransson’s score immerses the audience in Oppenheimer’s perspective, using the violin as the core instrument to evoke a range of emotions and complexities.
Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer: Production Designer/Set Decorator, “Barbie”
Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer created the captivating world of Barbieland in “Barbie.” Through their production design and set decoration, they built an artificial world that enhanced the larger-than-life appearance of the doll characters. By reducing the scale of their designs, the actors playing the dolls appeared more prominent, adding a unique visual style to the film.
Kazu Hiro: Hairstyling/Makeup, “Maestro”
Kazu Hiro faced the challenge of transforming Bradley Cooper into famed musician Leonard Bernstein for “Maestro.” The film spans Bernstein’s life, from his youth to old age. Hiro used various stages of makeup application, including prosthetics for the nose, lips, chin, and even the top of the head, to bring Bernstein’s aging process to life.
Jennifer Lame: Editor, “Oppenheimer”
Jennifer Lame’s editing work in “Oppenheimer” captures significant historical events, rivalries, and relationships. Through her thoughtful editing choices, she aimed to give the female characters a complex and multi-dimensional portrayal. Lame emphasized the quieter moments in the film, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Rodrigo Prieto: Cinematography, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography in “Killers of the Flower Moon” creates a visual language that distinguishes between the indigenous Osage people and the newcomers in 1920s Oklahoma. His work reflects the contrast and tragic events surrounding the Osage murders, using techniques inspired by Technicolor Rome and Autochrome Lumiere.
Michael Semanick: Re-recording Mixer, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Michael Semanick brought the world of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” to life through his re-recording mixing skills. Balancing reflective moments with thrilling action sequences, Semanick aimed to keep the audience fully engaged. He seamlessly integrated Metro Bloomin’s songs and Daniel Pemberton’s score, ensuring a cohesive and immersive audio experience.
Holly Waddington: Costume Designer, “Poor Things”
Holly Waddington faced the unique challenge of designing costumes for the character Bella Baxter in “Poor Things.” Bella has the mental capacity of a child, and Waddington aimed to reflect her innocence and growth through costume. As the day progresses, Bella’s appearance transitions from fully dressed to a state of undress, symbolizing her childlike nature. Texture played a crucial role in conveying Bella’s story, with quilted fabrics and lightweight materials reflecting her journey of empowerment and enlightenment.
These artisans, among others, have showcased their exceptional creativity and skill, contributing to the visual and emotional impact of the year’s biggest films.
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