The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild isn’t kidding around with its latest career honoree.
Michael Johnston, a multiple-Emmy-nominated makeup artist who helped launch Ariana Grande‘s career during his 30-plus years working on many top Nickelodeon shows, will receive the 2026 Vanguard Award at the 13th MUAHS Awards in February.
Johnston’s credits include such popular Nick series as All That and its 2019 reboot, The Amanda Show, Zoey 101, Henry Danger, iCarly, Victorious, Drake & Josh, Sam & Cat, Danger Force, Game Shakers and The Fairly OddParents. He worked with rising stars including Wicked star Grande — with whom he traveled for eight years — her brother Frankie Grande, Kenan Thompson, Miranda Cosgrove, Nick Cannon, Jamie Lynn Spears, Drake Bell, Jace Norman and Amanda Bynes.
Johnston also headed the makeup department for the Kids’ Choice Awards for six years.
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He has earned three career Primetime Emmy nominations and two Children’s and Family Emmy noms, along with numerous honors from the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild, including an Outstanding Artisan Award. Johnston currently serves as Chairman of the Rules and Regulations Committee for the MUAHS Awards.
The Vanguard Award is presented to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the makeup and hair styling industry and has left a lasting impact on the craft, per the guild.
“He exemplifies what it means to be a trailblazer, championing talented artists who bring children’s programming to life,” MUAHS President Julie Socash said of Johnston. “Beyond his own remarkable work as a makeup artist, Michael was the driving force behind establishing our MUAHS Children’s category. His unwavering dedication to [IATSE] Local 706 and the MUAHS Awards has elevated the show to new heights, attracting submissions from around the world and spotlighting artistry that might otherwise go unseen.”
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The MUAHS Awards recognize excellence in the artistry and creativity of makeup artists and hairstylists across categories including film, TV, music videos, Broadway and international theater productions and theme parks. The guild’s ceremony celebrating the best work of 2025 is set for February 14 at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles.
The Movie Academy on Tuesday revealed the shortlist for its Makeup & Hairstyling Oscar along with the hopefuls for 11 other categories.