Photographer Howard Schatz had an idea: place actors in a series of roles and dramatic situations to reveal the essence of their characters. Such was the premise behind his book, In Character: Actors Acting, which captures some of Hollywood’s most emotive stars in the act of, well, making faces. Luckily for us, he continued the tradition for Vanity Fair. Here are some of the best.

Close Encounter of the Insect Kind: “Check out the awesome face on this praying mantis. I can't get over the mouth, it's like something from a science fiction movie. Of all photographic styles macro is definitely my favorite. I am constantly amazed, in every photo that I take, by the intricate level of detail that exists on even the smallest of creatures. It's a stark reminder that a very complex and infinitely beautiful world exists just beyond our human-sized level of perception. Photo taken in Donnybrook, Queensland, Australia” – Andrew Young. (Photo by Andrew Young/National Geographic Photo Contest via The Atlantic)

American actress Alexandra Daddario goes skinny dipping on vacation in the last decade of December 2022. (Photo by alexandradaddario/Instagram)

American actress Kate Hudson gives a shoutout to Italian luxury fashion house Maison Valentino in the second decade of July 2022. (Photo by katehudson/Instzgram)

English-Albanian singer and songwriter Dua Lipa in the new advertising campaign for “Pepe Jeans” Autumn/Winter 19 on September 5, 2019. (Photo by Planet Photos)

American fashion model Bella Hadid is seen promoting Orabella in SoHo on May 02, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Emily Ratajkowski filming DKNY commercial on January 20, 2017 in New York City, USA. The 25-year-old model braved the freezing New York temperatures as she wore just a black lace bra and matching French knickers, with a pair of clumpy biker boots. (Photo by Startraks Photo/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Jennifer Lawrence reacts as she poses backstage with her Oscar after winning the best actress award for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook” at the 85th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 24, 2013. Lawrence reacted to some photographers telling her to watch her step as she went onto the platform. (Photo by Mike Blake/Reuters)