The Education and Public Engagement team invites visitors to explore Stories of Cinema, the Academy Museum’s ongoing core exhibition that presents the diverse, international, and complex stories of moviemakers and the works they create.   

Hair and makeup design is critical to the creation of a character, and its effect on the actor might be dramatic or subtle. It could involve any combination of glamour, aging, fantasy, special effects, biographical realism, or period details that recall a specific era.

Join the Academy Museum in conversation with two-time Academy Award-winning hairstylist Yolanda Toussieng as we explore the innovation and technique of designing characters through hairstyling. Whether it was the unrecognizable transformation of Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire or the alluring nature of Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, Toussieng's artistic direction transforms actors into unforgettable characters.

About Yolanda Toussieng
Yolanda Toussieng is a two-time Academy Award-winning hairstylist. Her first win for the film Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) was at the 66th Academy Awards, and her second was for Ed Wood (1994) at the 67th Academy Awards. She is also known for her work on Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), Matilda (1996), and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), among many others. Toussieng’s highly acclaimed career of over 40 years includes her work as Hair Department Head, Hairstylist, Key Hair Stylist, Hair Supervisor, and Hair Designer.

The conversation will take place in the Lower Lobby on Lower Level 1. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Identity gallery on Level 2 before or after the program.

If you have any questions or need assistance planning your visit, please email museumeducation@oscars.org.