Rick Baker, the seven-time Academy Award-winning make-up artist, is to receive Locarno Film Festival’s Vision Award in recognition of his influential work creating film creatures and transforming performers. The honour highlights a career that helped establish elaborate practical make-up effects as a major part of modern cinema, spanning horror, comedy and fantasy productions.

Baker, 75, will present An American Werewolf in London and The Nutty Professor at the Swiss festival, alongside recalling work including Jim Carrey’s Grinch transformation and Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, in which he also appeared on screen. His record seven Oscars were awarded for films including An American Werewolf in London, Harry and the Hendersons, Ed Wood, The Nutty Professor, Men in Black, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Wolfman.