Hair Department Head of The Substance Left Out of Oscar Speech After Missing Nomination

Hair Department Head of The Substance Left Out of Oscar Speech After Missing Nomination

When The Substance won the Oscar for Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling, hair department head Frédérique Arguello was notably left out of the acceptance speech, with only assistant hairstylist Marilyne Scarselli, special makeup effects designer Pierre Olivier Persin, and key makeup artist Stephanie Guillon being mentioned.

Arguello’s absence was particularly notable, as she had been excluded from the Oscar nomination, despite efforts from distributor Mubi to have her included. Arguello had claimed she was unfairly left off in favor of Scarselli, although the reasons for this decision remain unclear.

The controversy surrounding the film’s hairstyling team intensified in the lead-up to the ceremony. Arguello revealed she had worked on the film for five months before leaving due to health and family issues, with Scarselli taking over for the final three weeks. Arguello maintained that most of the hairstyling work had already been completed, leaving only continuity tasks for Scarselli.

However, Scarselli disputed this version, claiming that after a mishap with one of star Demi Moore’s wigs early in the production, Moore refused to work with Arguello and left Scarselli to handle her hairstyling for the remainder of the shoot. While Scarselli acknowledged she wasn’t the original designer, she felt her role in styling Moore’s hair on set justified her inclusion at the Oscars.

Arguello had previously been recognized alongside her team when The Substance won the makeup and hairstyling awards at both the BAFTAs and Critics Choice Awards. A spokesperson for Mubi stated that it was the Academy, not the filmmakers, who made the decision to nominate Scarselli over Arguello.

During the Oscars acceptance speech, Persin spoke on behalf of the team, thanking the Academy, director Coralie Fargeat for her passion for makeup and practical effects, stars Moore and Margaret Qualley for their patience, and Mubi, Working Title, and the entire crew.

The Substance was also nominated for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Actress, and Director at the 2025 Oscars.

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