Oscar Winner Jenny Shircore receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the Septimius Awards 2025

On September 4, 2025, the historic and opulent Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam served as the backdrop for a momentous occasion in the world of cinema. The Septimius Awards, an international ceremony renowned for its commitment to diversity and artistic excellence, bestowed its highest honor—the Lifetime Achievement Award—upon the legendary British makeup and hair designer, Jenny Shircore.

In an industry where the spotlight often skips over the meticulous artisans behind the scenes, Shircore’s recognition was a resonant acknowledgment of a career that has defined the visual language of historical drama for over four decades. As she took the stage in the Art Deco splendor of the Tuschinski, she did so not just as a technician, but as a master storyteller whose "ink" is the delicate application of prosthetics, wigs, and period-accurate pigments.

The Architect of the Elizabethan Aesthetic

Jenny Shircore’s name has become synonymous with the "Virgin Queen." Her breakthrough, and perhaps her most enduring legacy, came with her work on Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth (1998). Tasked with transforming Cate Blanchett into a young, vulnerable princess who evolves into a porcelain-masked icon of power, Shircore’s work was nothing short of revolutionary.

She famously eschewed the "pancake" makeup typically seen in period pieces, opting instead for a textured, realistic progression that mirrored the character's internal hardening. This artistry earned her the Academy Award for Best Makeup and a BAFTA, cementing her status as the premier designer for period cinema. Her return to this era in Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) and Mary Queen of Scots (2018) further showcased her ability to use makeup as a psychological tool—most notably in the latter, where she transformed Margot Robbie into a smallpox-scarred Elizabeth I, a daring move that challenged traditional standards of cinematic beauty.

A Career of Versatile Brilliance

While her work with the Tudors is legendary, Shircore’s filmography is a sprawling map of cinematic history. Her ability to pivot between the ethereal and the gritty has made her a favorite among directors. Her notable credits include:

The Young Victoria (2009): Where she captured the youthful glow and eventual regal maturity of Emily Blunt’s Queen Victoria, earning another BAFTA win.

My Week with Marilyn (2011): A masterclass in subtle transformation, where she helped Michelle Williams embody the fragile essence of Marilyn Monroe without relying on caricature.

Beauty and the Beast (2017): Bringing a fantastical, rococo elegance to a live-action Disney classic.

The Dig (2021): Proving her mastery of naturalism, capturing the weathered, earth-stained reality of 1930s archaeologists.

Her lifework is characterized by a deep respect for historical accuracy, but it is never stifled by it. Shircore has always maintained that makeup should serve the actor's performance, providing a "second skin" that allows the character to breathe and the audience to believe.

The Septimius Awards and a Night to Remember

The Septimius Awards have quickly gained a reputation for being the "Oscars of the Independent and Diverse World," and choosing Shircore for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was a poignant gesture. The ceremony at the Tuschinski Theater brought together filmmakers from every continent, highlighting the global impact of Shircore’s influence.

During her acceptance speech, Shircore reflected on her journey from British India to the pinnacle of Hollywood. She spoke of the collaborative nature of the craft, paying tribute to the many assistants and hair stylists who have been part of her "creative family" over the years. The audience, a mix of rising indie stars and established veterans, gave a standing ovation that acknowledged not just the awards on her mantle, but the thousands of hours of research and the quiet, morning-light prep sessions that make movie magic possible.

Legacy and Future

As of 2025, Jenny Shircore shows no signs of slowing down. Even as she receives this prestigious accolade, her influence continues to grow through the mentorship of a new generation of artists. She remains a vocal advocate for the preservation of practical makeup effects in an increasingly digital world, arguing that the human touch—the slight imperfection of a hand-applied scar or the specific luster of a hand-tied wig—carries an emotional weight that CGI cannot replicate.

The Lifetime Achievement Award at the Septimius Awards 2025 is a fitting tribute to a woman who has spent her life making others look spectacular while she remained, quite contentedly, behind the curtain. In the heart of Amsterdam, the film world finally turned the cameras on the woman who helped create its most iconic faces.