“Oppenheimer” star David Krumholtz celebrated the Outstanding Hairstyling work of Jaime Leigh McIntosh on Sunday at the Hollywood Beauty Awards‘ 9th ceremony.
Jaime Leigh was the Head of Hair on Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which is nominated at the Oscars on Sunday.
The HBAs recognize talent in hair, makeup, photography and styling for Film, TV, Music, the red carpet and editorial, as well as special honorees.
Stars who attended and presented at the HBAs included Emmy-Winning actress Lynn Whitfield, Dave Bautista (“Dune 2”), two-time Academy Award nominee Judd Hirsch, P.J. Byrne (“Wolf of Wall Street,” “Babylon”), actress Jaime King (“Lights Out”), Saniyya Sydney (“King Richard”), Rochelle Aytes (“S.W.A.T.”) and more.
The hairstylists knew from an early age that her destiny lay in hairstyling. Born and raised in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, she was inspired by the colorful world of filmmaking after watching the documentary “Full Tilt Boogie.”
Jaime Leigh’s determination led her to a four-year apprenticeship at a salon, before she went on to study Hair, Makeup and production simultaneously.
Her journey accelerated in 2004 after receiving her first job working on the TV series “Insider’s Guide to Happiness.”
But it was on the set of “King Kong,” under the mentorship of Peter Swords King, that Jaime Leigh received invaluable wig training and fine-tuned her skills for major motion pictures.
Over the next decade, Jaime Leigh’s career soared as she contributed to blockbusters like “The Hobbit” Trilogy and “Avatar,” working closely with the esteemed Rick Findlater.
In 2013, she embarked on a new chapter. Relocating to Los Angeles, her talent shone through in a series of significant films, including “Underworld: Blood Wars” with Kate Beckinsale, “Blade Runner 2049” and as Assistant Department Head on “Black Panther.”
Taking lead of the Hair Department for “Ad Astra” and “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” she served as co-department head on “Captain Marvel” and key hairstylist on “Bombshell.”
In 2022, Jaime Leigh began to work closely with Ana de Armas, helping to transform the actress into Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde.” That same year, the in-demand hairstylist earned an Emmy nomination for “The First Lady,” where she styled Michelle Pfeiffer.
From “Don’t Worry Darling” with Florence Pugh, to “Babylon” with Margot Robbie and “Next Goal Wins,” Jaime Leigh also helped bring characters to life in this year’s acclaimed “Oppenheimer.”
With multiple projects on the horizon, including “Ballerina” and “Maxxxine,” Jaime Leigh McIntosh shows no signs of slowing down. Her journey continues to shape the world of Hollywood hairstyling.
