Variety’s 2026 Artisans to Watch: ‘Obsession’ Makeup Head, ‘Project Hail Mary’ Animation Supervisor, ‘La Bola Negra’ Composer and More
The article profiles Variety’s 10 Artisans to Watch for 2026, recognising behind-the-scenes film workers whose craft helps realise directors’ visions. Their work spans areas including makeup, animation, sound and music, and the honourees are due to be celebrated at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.
The article highlights how sound editor Jimkes used historically researched weapon sounds and soldiers’ on-set reactions to bring authenticity and human focus to “The Mosquito Bowl”. For “Project Hail Mary”, animation supervisor Licinio and his team shaped Rocky’s expressive physical mannerisms, drawing on puppetry and silent-film performances. The supplied article text ends during a separate account of production designer Lott’s work on a Norwegian ice hotel set.
- Variety named 10 behind-the-scenes film artisans to watch in 2026.
- Rocky’s animation relied on subtle movements and puppetry references.
- Jimkes used researched sounds to ground “The Mosquito Bowl”.
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Film artisans are the specialists who shape how a film looks and sounds, working behind the scenes with directors and other crew. Their roles can include makeup, animation, sound editing, production design and music.
Variety’s annual Artisans to Watch profiles people in these crafts, including workers on “The Mosquito Bowl” and “Project Hail Mary”. Their work helps give films distinctive settings, sounds and characters, and the honourees are due to be recognised at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.