Makeup Legend Rick Baker Honored at Locarno Festival, Discusses Grinch and Thriller Transformations

Seven-time Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker was presented with the Vision Award at the Locarno Film Festival and reflected on his iconic work for the Grinch, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video and other landmark films.

During the 79th Locarno Film Festival, Rick Baker, a seven-time Oscar winner in makeup and hairstyling, received the Vision Award presented by Ticinomoda on the festival’s 8,000-seat Piazza Grande. Locarno officials praised his pioneering creature designs that have defined cinematic metamorphosis for decades. Baker recalled his childhood fascination with monster movies and how that led him to the trade, despite a squeamish aversion to real blood.

He explained the creative battle over the Grinch’s appearance, rejecting a simple green paint job for Jim Carrey and instead developing a full prosthetic look that he demonstrated on himself to win studio approval. He also described the improvisational challenges of the “Thriller” video, where limited time and funds forced him to craft generic zombie pieces and perform as a bearded zombie himself. The interview touched on his collaborations with figures like John Landis, Brian Grazer, and Taylor Momsen, and underscored his belief that makeup artists must experience being made up to understand the craft fully.