Michael Fontaine

Biography

Mike Fontaine is an American special makeup effects artist and filmmaker renowned for his hyper-realistic prosthetics and creature design. A protégé of the legendary Dick Smith (The Exorcist), whom he met at age nine and studied under for years, Fontaine has established himself as a leading force in modern practical effects. In January 2026, Fontaine received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for his work on Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" (2025). Collaborating with veteran Ken Diaz and hair department head Shunika Terry, Fontaine was instrumental in designing the film's terrifying supernatural elements and period-authentic character looks. The film's record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations highlighted the craft team's contribution to its immersive 1930s Southern Gothic atmosphere. Fontaine is also celebrating a major television victory. In late 2025, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for the HBO series "The Penguin". He was a key architect (alongside Mike Marino) of the prosthetics that transformed Colin Farrell into the titular crime boss—a makeup job famously described by Farrell as a "beautiful puppet" that allowed him to disappear completely into the character. In addition to his genre work, Fontaine contributed to the 2025 sports biopic "Marty Supreme", starring Timothée Chalamet, showcasing his versatility beyond horror and fantasy.