HUXLEY
GRADUATION 2025
HUXLEY GRADUATION 2025
AND THE OSCAR GOES TO. . .
What. A. Night. 
The spotlight was on our students last night for our prestigious bi-annual Graduation Showcase 2025.
We were honoured to welcome Oscar-winning makeup artist Lesley Vanderwalt — a true Australian makeup royalty — who presented a special award to our top-performing student. Having someone of Lesley’s calibre, whose artistry helped shape films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Elvis, made the night even more unforgettable. Also in attendance was the incredible EMMY and BAFTA award winning effects artist Jason Baird from JMBFX. Jason has a special relationship with HUXLEY graduates having employed many of them on feature film productions.
From jaw-dropping SFX transformations to flawless high-fashion looks, the showcase was a celebration of creativity, passion, and hard-earned skill. Family, friends, industry legends, and industry heavy weights gathered to celebrate the next generation of makeup artists ready to take on the incredible world of professional makeup artistry.
AND THE OSCAR GOES TO. . .
What. A. Night.
The spotlight was on our students last night for our prestigious bi-annual Graduation Showcase 2025.
We were honoured to welcome Oscar-winning makeup artist Lesley Vanderwalt — a true Australian makeup royalty — who presented a special award to our top-performing student. Having someone of Lesley’s calibre, whose artistry helped shape films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Elvis, made the night even more unforgettable. Also in attendance was the incredible EMMY and BAFTA award winning effects artist Jason Baird from JMBFX. Jason has a special relationship with HUXLEY graduates having employed many of them on feature film productions.
From jaw-dropping SFX transformations to flawless high-fashion looks, the showcase was a celebration of creativity, passion, and hard-earned skill. Family, friends, industry legends, and industry heavy weights gathered to celebrate the next generation of makeup artists ready to take on the incredible world of professional makeup artistry.
15 Years of Shaping Creatives 💫
For almost 15 years, the Huxley School of Makeup has been the launchpad for Australia’s most in-demand artists. What sets us apart is our commitment to real-world experience — giving students countless opportunities to step out of the classroom and onto the set.
Throughout their course, our students have worked on live film productions, high-fashion runway shows, and exciting editorial photo shoots, gaining practical, industry-ready skills that make all the difference. These in-class and on-set experiences prepare our graduates to hit the ground running across the entire spectrum of professional makeup artistry — including film, TV, theatre, beauty, commercial productions, e-commerce, and bridal.
And it works. Through our seven-year partnership with TAFE Queensland, we deliver Australia’s highest qualifications in professional makeup artistry.
Our grads are thriving:
Working on Hollywood blockbusters like Aquaman, Elvis, and Pirates of the Caribbean
Winning awards and making a name for themselves in competitive markets
Launching thriving businesses in Australia and abroad
Collaborating with major international brands like Netflix, Porsche, and Sony
Bottom line: at Huxley, we don’t just teach makeup — we create opportunities. Our students graduate career-ready and already connected to the creative industries they aspire to be part of.
15 Years of Shaping Creatives
For almost 15 years, the Huxley School of Makeup has been the launchpad for Australia’s most in-demand artists. What sets us apart is our commitment to real-world experience — giving students countless opportunities to step out of the classroom and onto the set.
Throughout their course, our students have worked on live film productions, high-fashion runway shows, and exciting editorial photo shoots, gaining practical, industry-ready skills that make all the difference. These in-class and on-set experiences prepare our graduates to hit the ground running across the entire spectrum of professional makeup artistry — including film, TV, theatre, beauty, commercial productions, e-commerce, and bridal.
And it works. Through our seven-year partnership with TAFE Queensland, we deliver Australia’s highest qualifications in professional makeup artistry.
Our grads are thriving:
Working on Hollywood blockbusters like Aquaman, Elvis, and Pirates of the Caribbean
Winning awards and making a name for themselves in competitive markets
Launching thriving businesses in Australia and abroad
Collaborating with major international brands like Netflix, Porsche, and Sony
Bottom line: at Huxley, we don’t just teach makeup — we create opportunities. Our students graduate career-ready and already connected to the creative industries they aspire to be part of.
IT’S MISS ANN XIETY!
No HUXLEY graduation would be complete without an unforgettable drag performance. This time, our talented graduate and professional drag queen, Miss Ann Xiety, wowed our students and guests with a captivating medley of songs!
The Industry Is BOOMING
There’s never been a better time to step into the creative industries. By 2028, Queensland’s screen and entertainment sectors will need to fill 3,000+ roles across special effects, film, set design, and more.
Right now, Queensland is buzzing with opportunity:
🎭 Glasshouse Theatre, Brisbane — the biggest theatre development in Australia in 40+ years
🎬 Shadowbox Film Studios, Yatala — set to be twice the size of Village Roadshow Studios
🌟 Village Roadshow itself? Already booked solid for 15 years after bringing us hits like Mortal Kombat, Aquaman, and Elvis
Add the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, booming streaming platforms, and Aussie icons like Margot Robbie and Bluey making waves worldwide, and one thing’s clear:
Queensland is the place to be. 🌴✨
The Industry Is BOOMING 🚀
There’s never been a better time to step into the creative industries. By 2028, Queensland’s screen and entertainment sectors will need to fill 3,000+ roles across special effects, film, set design, and more.
Right now, Queensland is buzzing with opportunity:
🎭 Glasshouse Theatre, Brisbane — the biggest theatre development in Australia in 40+ years
🎬 Shadowbox Film Studios, Yatala — set to be twice the size of Village Roadshow Studios
🌟 Village Roadshow itself? Already booked solid for 15 years after bringing us hits like Mortal Kombat, Aquaman, and Elvis
Add the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, booming streaming platforms, and Aussie icons like Margot Robbie and Bluey making waves worldwide, and one thing’s clear:
Queensland is the place to be. 🌴✨
Level Up: it's still a secret .. Advanced Diploma .. what?
This year, we also revealed something HUGE — the launch of Australia’s highest and most comprehensive specialised makeup artistry course:
We are making the final touches on our Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland) and will announce it to the world shortly.
This industry-first program is built to make you career-ready and includes:
🧟 SFX makeup mastery that brings characters to life (or death 👻)
🔨 Makeup prop construction for screen productions
💄 Cosmetic manufacturing and product development training
💡 Plus, major prizes to the top performing student
With the global cosmetics industry worth over $800 billion, this is where artistry meets opportunity.
Level Up: but it's still a secret .. Advanced Diploma ... what?
This year, we also revealed something HUGE — the launch of Australia’s highest and most comprehensive specialised makeup artistry course:
We are making the final touches on our Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland) and will announce it to the world shortly.
This industry-first program is built to make you career-ready and includes:
🧟 SFX makeup mastery that brings characters to life (or death 👻)
🔨 Makeup prop construction for screen productions
💄 Cosmetic manufacturing and product development training
💡 Plus, major prizes to the top performing student
With the global cosmetics industry worth over $800 billion, this is where artistry meets opportunity.
To the Class of 2025… The Spotlight’s Yours
You’ve smashed deadlines, nailed assessments, and mastered your craft. You’ve proven you can dream big, work hard, and create magic under pressure.
Now, it’s your time to shine.
The future isn’t coming — it’s already here.
And the industry? It’s ready for you.
We couldn’t be prouder of the Huxley School of Makeup Class of 2025. Whether you end up on set, backstage, or behind the brush, the world is waiting for your artistry.
AWARDS
At the Huxley School of Makeup, we take immense pride in recognising the exceptional efforts of our students through our prestigious awards. These accolades honour outstanding performance throughout the term and are carefully chosen by our dedicated faculty. We offer three distinct award categories:
– Miss Congeniality
– Certificate of Distinction
– Lesley Vanderwalt Certificate of Excellence Award
While all our graduates consistently demonstrate high-level skills in their assessments and practical competencies, these awards celebrate those students who have truly gone above and beyond in their commitment and artistry.
Miss Congeniality Award
This award goes to the students who won the hearts of their classmates and represented the Huxley spirit with kindness, positivity, and unwavering support for their peers.
These four legends brought good vibes, teamwork, and heart into every class, inspiring everyone around them.
Isabella Smith
Mia Webb
Effie Bachlinzanakis
Sammy Hinkley
Isabella Smith
Mia Webb
Effie Bachlinzanakis
Sammy Hinkley
Certificate of Distinction
Awarded to the students who excelled beyond expectations across assessments, work experience placements, and in-class projects. These rising stars consistently delivered outstanding results and showed what it means to push creative boundaries.
Their dedication, passion, and pursuit of excellence make them ones to watch as they step into the industry.
Each Certificate of Distinction winner was also recognised by the Australian Production Design Guild (APDG), receiving an exclusive additional certificate and a complimentary 12-month APDG membership — giving them direct access to one of Australia’s leading creative industry networks.
Jason Baird is a celebrated special effects artist, renowned for his exemplary work in film and television that has garnered both Emmy and BAFTA awards. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, he has contributed to an impressive array of iconic productions, including “The Dark Knight,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” and “The Pacific.” Notably, Baird also played a significant role in the acclaimed film “Elvis,” where his innovative work helped capture the essence of the legendary performer and contributed to the film’s overall visual storytelling. His efforts earned him accolades such as the Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects and the BAFTA for Best Special Effects.
Jason’s talent and dedication to his craft have established him as a prominent figure in the industry, where he is highly regarded for both his artistry and technical expertise. We were honoured to have him join us in handing out the Certificate of Distinction to the top-performing student from each class, celebrating their hard work and exceptional achievements with the recognition they truly deserve.
Marlie Clarke
Harley Cash
Sydney Annetts
Marlie Clarke
Harley Cash
Sydney Annetts
Lesley Vanderwalt Certificate of Excellence
Presented by Oscar-winning makeup artist Lesley Vanderwalt herself, this award recognises the top-performing student of the entire Huxley cohort.
Lesley Vanderwalt is a highly acclaimed Australian makeup artist, celebrated for her extraordinary talent and creativity in the realms of film and television. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, she has lent her expertise to a multitude of high-profile productions, excelling in character design and special effects makeup. Vanderwalt achieved international fame for her groundbreaking work on “Mad Max: Fury Road,” where her innovative techniques earned her the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling in 2016. Her artistic vision and pioneering approach have positioned her as a sought-after talent in the industry, garnering numerous accolades and solidifying her status as a leading figure in makeup artistry. Beyond her impressive achievements, Vanderwalt is deeply passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists, dedicating her time to mentor aspiring makeup professionals and encourage them to push the boundaries of their craft. We are incredibly grateful to have Lesley’s endorsement of our school and to celebrate the accomplishments of our students through this prestigious award.
Winner:
Sydney Annetts
Sydney’s dedication, creativity, and professionalism embody what it means to be a Huxley graduate. With this award, Sydney joins an elite group of artists ready to make their mark on the global stage. Sydney has accomplished an impressive array of roles across feature films, fashion projects, fashion shows, and commercial productions, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication. Sydney has already taken on a role working in Film and will no doubt have a wonderful career ahead.
Her outstanding achievements have garnered recognition from our entire faculty and have opened the door to a fantastic opportunity with Sony Australia. As part of her prize, Sydney will be flown to Sydney (how ironic right!) for the Sony Screen Scape Expo in September, where she will demonstrate her exceptional special effects skills in front of thousands of film makers, tech experts and photographers.
Winner:
Sydney Annetts
Sydney’s dedication, creativity, and professionalism embody what it means to be a Huxley graduate. With this award, Sydney joins an elite group of artists ready to make their mark on the global stage. Sydney has accomplished an impressive array of roles across feature films, fashion projects, fashion shows, and commercial productions, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication. Sydney has already taken on a role working in Film and will no doubt have a wonderful career ahead.
Her outstanding achievements have garnered recognition from our entire faculty and have opened the door to a fantastic opportunity with Sony Australia. As part of her prize, Sydney will be flown to Sydney (how ironic right!) for the Sony Screen Scape Expo in September, where she will demonstrate her exceptional special effects skills in front of thousands of film makers, tech experts and photographers.
Want to see your name in lights?
Explore our programs and upcoming courses at Huxley School of Makeup.