Cardi B looking stylish as she leaves the Warner Music Grammy party in NYC on January 26, 2018. (Photo by Splash News and Pictures)

A police officer points his gun while confronting a gang during a protest against Prime Minister Ariel Henry's government and insecurity, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on March 1, 2024. (Photo by Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters)

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.

US actress Vanessa Hudgens poses upon her arrival for the 25th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation's Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 26, 2017 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/AFP Photo)

Singers “Elle & The Pocket Belles” attend day 3 “Ladies Day” of the Qatar Goodwood Festival on August 3, 2017 in Chichester, England. (Photo by David Hartley/PA Wire)

American rapper Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known professionally as Cardi B in the last decade of October 2022 says she's giving “you a*s, hair and heels”. (Photo by iamcardib/Instagram)

UK Love Island host, English television presenter Maya Jama attends the David Koma AW23 show during London Fashion Week on February 18, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for David Koma)

American actress, model, and singer Ashley Benson arrives at Paris Hilton's wedding party inBeverly Hills, CA. on November 14, 2021. (Photo by Backgrid USA)