'National Treasure' Academy Award Nominees Staff Hold Press Conference, Discuss 'Behind the Scenes' of the Work
The staff of the film 'National Treasure,' nominated for the Academy Award for Makeup and Hairstyling, held a press conference in Tokyo to share their experiences ahead of the ceremony in Los Angeles.
On the 27th, staff members from the film 'National Treasure,' which is nominated for the Makeup and Hairstyling Award at the 98th Academy Awards, held a press conference in Tokyo. As they approach the award ceremony slated for March 15 in Los Angeles, they expressed their excitement and disbelief about the nomination, describing it as a dream come true. The press event featured Kyoko Toyokawa, responsible for hair and makeup, Naomi Hibino, who perfects Kabuki makeup, and Tada Nishimatsu, who worked on wigs along with director Lee Sang-il.
Each staff member shared insights into their unique roles in bringing the film to life. Kyoko Toyokawa, who worked on makeup for parts of the movie not related to Kabuki, explained her efforts to portray the passage of time through her work, given that the story spans 50 years. Naomi Hibino recounted the challenges faced during filming, emphasizing the time-consuming process of maintaining the traditional white makeup, which needed to look pristine for close-up shots. Meanwhile, Tada Nishimatsu highlighted the arduous task of applying and removing heavy wigs multiple times during takes, expressing the privilege of being recognized in such a prestigious capacity, which they previously thought was unimaginable.
In response to questions about the film's international success and its portrayal of traditional Japanese arts, director Lee Sang-il discussed the universal themes embedded within Kabuki and the film itself. He noted that stories touching on family dynamics and the complexities of love resonate universally, allowing audiences worldwide to appreciate the unique artistry of Japanese culture. The film's ability to connect on these deeper levels is a testament to its artistic merit and relevance across different cultures.