July 15, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

The Academy Museum To Screen Six Films With Makeup Effects By Master Dick Smith

Films Like The Hunger, The Exorcist, Altered States, and Amadeus Will Be Shown

The Academy Museum in West Los Angeles will be screening great films that use the talents of master make-up effects artist Dick Smith in the series Dick Smith: Godfather Of Makeup.

Richard Emerson Smith, aka Dick Smith, was a remarkable pre-med student at Yale who stumbled upon a book that would change his career trajectory. A routine library visit introduced him to “Paint, Powder, and Makeup,” sparking his fascination with the art of transforming actors through makeup. This newfound passion led him away from dentistry and into the captivating world of special makeup effects.

You still have time to watch the following screenings with special guests:

The Exorcist: Special guest: Introduction by Rick Baker, assistant to Dick Smith, at the David Geffen Theater on Thursday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Altered States: Special guest: Introduction by makeup artist Craig Reardon at the Ted Mann Theater on Thursday, August 3, at 7:30 p.m. 

Scanners at the Ted Mann Theater on Thursday, August 10, at 7:30 p.m.

The Hunger with House of Dark Shadows: Introduction to The Hunger by makeup artist Peter Montagna. Introduction to House of Dark Shadows by makeup artist Todd McIntosh on Thursday, August 10th  at 7:30 p.m.

Amadeus: Special guest introduction by makeup artist Gerald Quist on Thursday, August 24th at 7:30 p.m.

You can get tickets here

Smith’s journey as a makeup artist began at WNBC-TV, where he served as the Department Head of Makeup until 1959. This period proved crucial in honing his craft and exploring the endless possibilities of prosthetics. From his basement workshop in Larchmont, New York, Smith dedicated himself to developing innovative methods and makeup techniques that would revolutionize the field.

His expertise in realistic aging makeup earned him widespread acclaim, with standout examples being his work on Dustin Hoffman’s transformation into Jack Crabb in “Little Big Man” (1970) and F. Murray Abraham’s portrayal of Antonio Salieri in “Amadeus” (1984). For the latter, Smith earned an Academy Award alongside collaborator Paul LeBlanc.

Smith’s groundbreaking techniques went beyond traditional full-face masks. He pioneered multiple overlapping foam latex pieces, allowing actors greater facial expressiveness and resulting in groundbreaking transformations in the industry.

In recognition of his unparalleled mastery of texture, shade, form, and illusion, Smith received an Academy Honorary Award in 2011, celebrating his illustrious career achievements. His influence on movie makeup was profound, with his work on Marlon Brando’s iconic transformation for “The Godfather” (1972) becoming a highlight of his legacy.

Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

UCLA Student Researchers Face Funding Uncertainty, Student Newspaper Reports

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The Trump administration’s plan to slash $4.7 billion from the National Science Foundation, eliminate the National Endowment for the Humanities...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Home of Douglas Emmett Realty Co-Founder Becomes Brentwood’s Priciest on Market: REPORT

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The new listing surpasses Brentwood’s previous top-priced property at 11740 Crescenda Street, which is listed at $54.9 million A Brentwood...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...