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Mia Neal

Mia Neal

First Black Woman to Win an Oscar for Best Makeup & Hairstyling for her Work on "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

Lead hairstylist and wig designer Mia Neal. Neal started laying and slaying hair as a little girl in Gary.

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Lead hairstylist and wig designer Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson became the first Black women to win an Academy Award for Best Hair and Makeup in the category’s 40-year history for their work on “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Neal started laying and slaying hair as a little girl in Gary, Ind., playing with Barbies. When Neal was a student at Jackson State University, a coworker at Mac encouraged her to apply to the Juilliard School of Professional Internship for Wigs and Makeup. Her extensive work in New York theater, film, and television was necessary for transforming Viola Davis into the larger-than-life mother of blues, Ma Rainey. The team only had 10 reference photos of Ma Rainey, and they painstakingly researched to bring the characters to life. Neal created over 100 wigs for the film in under three weeks (Wilson, Davis’ personal stylist, was ineligible for our list). Neal meticulously made a historically accurate horsehair wig for Davis, cleaning and ventilating every strand by hand.

Neal dedicated her Oscar to the ancestors and told Vogue she hopes it inspires future generations. “Any African American or young person of color going into this field should know people do want diversity. Erase your own fears, doubts, and preconceived notions. You are wanted, and you will be welcomed. Go in and work hard because there is space for you, and we’re living examples of that.”

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Topics

Topics

An Evening With Mia Neal 

Videos

Videos

Mia Neal Gives Historic Oscars Speech in First Win for Black Hair and Makeup Artists
Mia Neal & Jamika Wilson On Becoming the First Black Women to Win a Makeup & Hair Oscar

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HCA Healthcare

We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

Salt Lake Community College

It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

Western Michigan University

On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can’t wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

Ferris State University

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