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Cynthia Erivo's Iconic Green Shade: A Breakthrough in Makeup Artistry

2025-02-13

In the world of cinema, few colors have become as synonymous with a character as "Cynthia Green," the unique shade created for Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba in Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked. This distinctive green hue was not only pivotal to the film but also earned Erivo's makeup team an Oscar nomination. The journey to perfect this color involved overcoming significant challenges related to lighting and application techniques. Makeup artist Frances Hannon led the effort, ensuring that the green remained vibrant across various settings, from the sunny campus of Shiz University to the dark enchanted forest. Through innovative use of neon yellow mixed into the base color, along with custom primers and airbrushing techniques, the team achieved a look that remained flawless despite hours of singing, sweating, and emotional scenes.

The creation of "Cynthia Green" began during preproduction, where makeup artist Frances Hannon faced an unexpected challenge. While testing different shades on models with similar skin tones to Erivo, she noticed that the green varied dramatically under different lighting conditions. "It looked beautiful in the studio lights but turned blue or gray outside," recalls Hannon. To solve this issue, SFX makeup artist David Stoneman introduced a touch of neon yellow to the green base. This small addition proved revolutionary, stabilizing the color across all environments. The breakthrough allowed the makeup to remain consistent whether Elphaba was walking through the bright Emerald City or wandering in the shadowy woods.

Apart from the green makeup, Erivo's transformation into Elphaba required several additional elements. Green contact lenses, ear prosthetics to cover piercings, and strategically placed freckles added depth to the character. Even Erivo's eyebrows had to be applied daily using tattoo transfers. These details contributed to a realistic and immersive portrayal, enhancing Erivo's performance. The makeup process itself was extensive, taking over two hours each day, but it became more efficient as the production progressed. Airbrushing techniques played a crucial role, allowing for precise application and easy touch-ups when needed.

Erivo's involvement in shaping Elphaba's appearance was hands-on and deeply personal. She collaborated closely with Hannon, offering insights into how she envisioned her character evolving. From darker eyes to stronger lips, every detail was carefully considered. "Elphaba is very simple. She has no vanity, and as she grows stronger, she gets freer," said Hannon. Erivo embraced this philosophy, contributing significantly to the authenticity of her portrayal. The result was a character whose uniqueness became her strength, resonating powerfully with audiences.

The meticulous work behind Elphaba's iconic look underscores the importance of visual storytelling in film. By focusing on the character's journey rather than just her appearance, the filmmakers ensured that Elphaba's transformation was both visually stunning and emotionally compelling. The success of "Cynthia Green" highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where artists like Hannon and Stoneman bring characters to life in ways that captivate and inspire viewers.

The Irish Film and Television industry is set to celebrate its finest at the upcoming Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs), often referred to as the 'Irish Oscars.' Scheduled for Friday, February 14th, this event will honor the remarkable achievements of Irish talent both in front of and behind the camera. Esteemed figures such as Cillian Murphy, Saoirse Ronan, and Ruth Negga are confirmed to attend, alongside a host of other notable stars from film and television. The awards recognize outstanding contributions through nominations like "Small Things Like These" and "Kneecap," leading with 17 nominations each. Additionally, veteran actor Colm Meaney will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Star-Studded Lineup Anticipates a Memorable Evening

This year's IFTA Awards promise an evening filled with glamour and recognition. A constellation of celebrated Irish actors and filmmakers will convene to celebrate their industry's accomplishments. Leading the charge are multiple award-winning performers such as Cillian Murphy, who has earned acclaim for his role in "Small Things Like These." Other luminaries include Saoirse Ronan, Ruth Negga, Andrew Scott, Alisha Weir, Chris O’Dowd, Caitríona Balfe, and Nicola Coughlan. Television favorites Sharon Horgan and the cast of "Say Nothing" will also grace the red carpet. This gathering underscores the depth and breadth of Irish creative talent, showcasing a vibrant community dedicated to excellence.

The event will feature a diverse array of participants, including established veterans and rising stars. Among those expected to attend are Liam Cunningham, Eva Birthistle, Victoria Smurfit, Clinton Liberty, Patrick Gibson, Alison Oliver, Deirdre O’Kane, Baz Ashmawy, Clare Dunne, Elaine Cassidy, Roisin Gallagher, and Brían F. O’Byrne. Also present will be Jim Sheridan, Barry Ward, Pat Shortt, Nora Jane Noone, Hilary Rose, broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, Yasmin Seky, and Dónall Ó Héalai. The presence of these individuals highlights the richness of Irish cultural expression and the industry's commitment to honoring its heritage.

Honoring Excellence: Nominations and Lifetime Achievements

The 2025 IFTA Awards will highlight exceptional works in film and television through a series of competitive categories. Notably, "Small Things Like These" and "Kneecap" have garnered the most attention, each receiving 17 nominations. On the television side, "Say Nothing" and "Bad Sisters" have been recognized with ten and eight nominations respectively. These nominations reflect the high quality of Irish storytelling and production, underscoring the industry's growing global influence.

In addition to recognizing contemporary achievements, the IFTA Awards will pay tribute to a lifelong contribution to the arts. Veteran actor Colm Meaney will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring impact on Irish cinema. His career, spanning decades, has left an indelible mark on both national and international screens. The ceremony will be broadcast on RTE One, ensuring that audiences across Ireland can share in this momentous occasion. Hosted by Kevin McGahern, the event will kick off with red carpet interviews conducted by TikTok star Eric Roberts, adding a modern twist to the traditional festivities.

Republican lawmakers have unveiled legislation that not only aims to eliminate the existing tax incentives for electric vehicles but also imposes a new levy on their purchase. This move, driven by arguments about road maintenance funding, has sparked significant debate among environmental advocates, industry experts, and consumers alike.

The Future of EVs Hangs in the Balance as GOP Proposes Sweeping Changes

Potential Impact on Federal Tax Credits

The proposed legislation from Republican senators seeks to dismantle the current federal tax credits for electric vehicles. These credits, which have been instrumental in encouraging EV adoption, provide up to $7,500 for new purchases and additional incentives for used EVs and charging infrastructure. The bill would terminate these benefits within 30 days of enactment, a timeline that could disrupt the burgeoning EV market. Industry analysts predict that such a sudden removal could lead to a significant slowdown in sales, particularly as many potential buyers may delay purchases in anticipation of policy changes.Moreover, the abrupt end to these credits contrasts with earlier hopes that legislators might phase them out gradually. A phased approach could have provided a buffer period for the market, allowing manufacturers and consumers to adjust. Instead, the immediate cutoff could create uncertainty and instability. For instance, automakers like Tesla, which have heavily relied on these incentives, may face challenges in maintaining competitive pricing and meeting consumer demand.

New Purchase Fees and Their Implications

In addition to eliminating tax credits, the GOP has introduced a separate bill that imposes a one-time $1,000 fee on new electric vehicle purchases. Proponents argue that this fee is necessary to address the perceived shortfall in highway maintenance funds, traditionally supported by gasoline taxes. However, critics contend that this flat fee fails to account for the varying impacts different vehicles have on roads. For example, while some electric vehicles are indeed heavier than their gasoline counterparts, the disparity is not as pronounced as suggested. The Toyota Corolla, a popular gas-powered sedan, weighs around 3,000 pounds, compared to the Tesla Model 3’s approximately 3,800 pounds—a difference far less than threefold. The discrepancy between rhetoric and reality raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of this fee. Furthermore, the fee does not consider factors like vehicle efficiency or usage patterns, making it an arbitrary and potentially regressive measure.

Economic and Environmental Consequences

The implications of these legislative moves extend beyond just the automotive sector. Economically, the elimination of incentives and introduction of fees could hinder the growth of the EV market, potentially causing ripple effects across related industries. For instance, companies specializing in EV charging infrastructure might see reduced investment and expansion opportunities. Additionally, the loss of momentum in EV adoption could slow down advancements in battery technology and other innovations crucial for reducing carbon emissions.From an environmental standpoint, these policies could undermine efforts to combat climate change. Electric vehicles play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, a sector responsible for a significant portion of global pollution. By discouraging EV purchases through financial penalties, the legislation may inadvertently prolong reliance on fossil fuels and hinder progress toward cleaner energy solutions.

Industry Influence and Political Motivations

It is also worth examining the political and financial motivations behind these proposals. Several key sponsors of the bills have received substantial contributions from the oil and gas industry. Senator Deb Fischer, for instance, accepted over $350,000 from this sector during her last election cycle. Similarly, Senator John Barrasso has garnered even more, exceeding $780,000. Such contributions raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether the legislation truly serves the public good or caters to specific industrial interests.Furthermore, the timing of these proposals aligns with broader political agendas. President Trump’s administration has consistently signaled its intent to roll back environmental regulations and support traditional energy sources. The Transportation Secretary’s recent comments about imposing fees on electric vehicles underscore this trend. As a result, the proposed legislation can be seen as part of a larger strategy to reshape the energy landscape in favor of established industries.