MUD Celebrates Our Emmy Grads: Natalie Driscoll and Melissa Buell

Natalie Driscoll

Another accomplished MUD Grad from our Los Angeles school is hairstylist to the stars Natalie Driscoll. Like so many make-up artists, Natalie was drawn to make-up since childhood. On her website bio she says “in my younger years I dreamt of doing hair and make-up for film, television, weddings, and events. By working very hard my dreams have come true. Today I am doing it all.” Earning a make-up and hairstyling certificate from Make-up Designory, Natalie Driscoll has since gone on to style the hair of countless movie and television stars, red carpet events, and special occasions. 

Winning the Emmy for Outstanding Hairstylist for a Limited Series or Movie for her work on The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Natalie finds herself recognized by the Emmys for her fourth time. She also won the award for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or Movie for her work on American Horror Story in 2012, was nominated again for her work on the same show in 2013, and won for her hairstyling on American Crime Story in 2016.

Photo courtesy of FX

The nine-episode series investigates the murder of Gianni Versace by Andrew Cunanan in 1997. Stylistically the show holds on to European high culture amongst all the violence, starring beautifully tussled long haircuts, stylish runway updos, and clean men’s looks. Featured in InStyle and Vanity Fair, star Penelope Cruz’s daring fashion, make-up and hair on the show have created a lot of buzz in the entertainment community. Natalie Driscoll’s talents are certainly on full display.

Melissa Buell

You might know her as the make-up artist responsible for Lea Michelle, Chris Colfer, Jane Lynch and other stars’ looks on hit TV show Glee. In fact, this MUD grad has been nominated three times for an Emmy for her work on the show from 2011-2013, including nominations for Outstanding Makeup for a Single Camera-Series and Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or a Special. However, this time Melissa Buell returns to the MUD Emmy nominated list after 5 years with not one, but two nominations for her brilliant on-set make-up.

Melissa Buell’s first nomination is for her work on “Money’s in the Chase,” an episode from the flamboyant 80s TV show GLOW. The episode is the show’s first season finale, which received glowing reviews for its “aim of authenticity as period comedy, modern character study, and respectful wrestling adaptation” [link Vulture article]. Having to prep the actresses with colorful 80s make-up fit for the wrestling ring, Melissa Buell and her work were clearly as popular with the critics as was the series’ dramatic ending.

Photo courtesy of CNN

Buell is also nominated for Outstanding Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie (Non-Prosthetic) for her work on The Last Tycoon. The episode, “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar,” is also this series’ season finale, full of romantic drama, secret ties, and emotional fallout. The 1930s time period lends Buell the opportunity for flirty lashes, bold brows, and defining lip colors. Buell has also been recognized for her work on Tron: Legacy, Scream Queens, and Love.