The Academy's makeup branch has always been known for its idiosyncratic choices and this year the three nominees are as unusual as always. Out of the three nominees only one is nominated for Best Picture and the other two are some of the worst films of the year. Past winners include "Les Miserables," "The Iron Lady," "The Wolfman," and "Star Trek."
"Dallas Buyers Club" - Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews both received their first Academy Award nominations for their work on the Best Picture nominee. "Dallas Buyers Club" has yet to win a single award for Best Makeup but has the best chance given that the film is nominated for a number of categories and will also win the Best Supporting Actor award. In the past two years the makeup award has been given to a film that also won an acting award. The same thing happened in 2007 when Marion Cotillard won the Oscar. "La Vie en Rose" surprised in the makeup and both the actress and the makeup won. As a result it is likely the Academy will want to recognize the makeup which also helps create the performance.
"Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" - Stephen Prouty received his first nomination for the MTV comedy. The Academy has an affinity for rewarding prosthetics even if the film is not critically loved or an awards contender. "Jackass" has not been on any critic's radars and given the fact that the Academy rarely awards contemporary makeup nominees, it is doubtful "Jackass" will win an Oscar.
"The Lone Ranger" - Joel Harlow is receiving his second Oscar nomination after winning in 2009 for "Star Trek" while Gloria Pasqua-Casny is receiving her first nomination. The nod for "The Lone Ranger" is not a surprise given the fact that Johnny Depp films have a track record in this category. The first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films received nominations for makeup but failed to win. "The Lone Ranger" might be nominated for two awards this year but with terrible reviews and backlash for the film, it is unlikely the Academy will reward the movie.
Predictions: "Dallas Buyers Club" has the best chances of winning especially if it wins two acting categories.