Mia Neal

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

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New York, NY, USA
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Mia Neal Biography

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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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/09/2024.

Mia Neal Videos

  • Mia Neal Gives Historic Speech in First Win for Black Hair & Makeup Artists
    'Thank you to our ancestors who put the work in, were denied, but never gave up.' — Watch the moment that two Black women made history by winning...
  • Variety Artisan Award - Mia Neal Discussion

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  • What topics does Mia Neal speak about?

    Mia Neal is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art, Beauty, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Diversity & Inclusion, Television & Film.
  • Where does Mia Neal travel from?

    Mia Neal generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Mia Neal is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Mia Neal for your event is available upon request. Mia Neal generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Taylor K. Shaw, Ariana DeBose, Angela Bassett, Ruth E. Carter and Lupita Nyong'o. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Mia Neal for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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