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.

Cast member, American singer Janelle Monae attends the premiere of “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” during the closing night gala at the BFI London Film Festival in London, Britain on October 16, 2022. (Photo by Toby Melville/Reuters)

Canadian actress and model Shannon Ashley Garcia “Shay” Mitchell early January 2023 discovers flowers that complement her dress. (Photo by shaymitchell/Instagram)

Indian security personnel adjust a uniform during full-dress rehearsal ahead of the 74th Republic day celebrations in Bangalore, India, 24 January 2023. The Republic Day of India marks the adoption of the constitution of India and the transition of the country to a Republic on 26 January 1950. (Photo by Jagadeesh N.V./EPA/EFE)

AJ Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil during the Groundhog Day Festivities, at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, U.S., February 2, 2023. (Photo by Alan Freed/Reuters)

English television presenter Maya Jama posed in her outfit after fronting UK Love Island: Aftersun in the second decade of June 2023. (Photo by Instagram)

Armed police officers and soldiers strengthen their training in seawater in Fangchenggang City, Guangxi Province, China on July 24, 2023. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez in the last decade of September 2023 has shared an inside look at a private jet as she stunned fans in a short white dress. (Photo by @georginagio/Instagram)