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.

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

Stella McCartney has launched its Summer 2024 campaign, the brand's most sustainable collection to date – crafted from 95% conscious materials. Starring eco-activist, model and actor Cara Delevingne, it is shot at the Veolia recycling plant in South London in March 2024. (Photo by Stella McCartney)

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor arrives for the Giorgio Armani women's 2019 Spring-Summer collection during the Milan Fashion Week, in Milan, Italy, 23 September 2018. The Spring Summer 2019 Women's collections are presented at the Milano Moda Donna from 19 to 24 September. (Photo by Matteo Bazzi/EPA/EFE)

David Nickerson, 24, rides a wave dressed as Mrs Doubtfire during the 7th annual ZJ Boarding House Haunted Heats Halloween surf contest. (Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

American models, media personalitys and socialite Hailey Bieber (R) and Kendall Jenner on Set of What's in My Kitchen? in the second decade of April 2023. (Photo byTori Time/OBB Media)

American media personality and socialite Kylie Jenner shows off her figure in a little white dress in the second decade of December 2024. (Photo by kyliejenner/Instagram)

A model is reflected in the mirror applying makeup during the Mr. and Mrs. Kibera leadership contest, on International Youth Day, in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Brian Inganga/AP Photo)