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.

Mara Salvatrucha (MS) gang members show off their weapons in the Las Victorias district of San Salvador. In March 2012, the two largest gangs in El Salvador - the Mara Salvatrucha (MS) and the Barrio 18 (M18) - agreed on a truce following secret negotiations between gang leaders in prison which were mediated by a bishop and a former rebel leader. It is unclear whether the decision was the idea of the gangs themselves or whether they were encouraged by the government. (Photo by Adam Hinton)

Model Bella Hadid poses for photographers at the photo call for the film “Pain and Glory” at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 17, 2019. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP Photo)

The Hindus of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia, carry out their annual Ngaben cremation on April 4, 2022, when they place the bones of those who have died over the past year on to floating animal forms in a ceremony that is said to release the souls of the deceased. (Photo by Gede Sudika/Solent News/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

American media personality Kim Kardashian seen on February 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images)

Hooded penitents from “La Borriquita” brotherhood take part during a Holy Week procession in Cordoba, Spain, Sunday, March 29, 2015. Hundreds of processions take place throughout Spain during the Easter Holy Week. (Photo by Manu Fernandez/AP Photo)

A woman looks towards part of an artwork called “Lichen! Libido! (London!) Chastity!” by Anthea Hamilton, one of the four artists shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2016, as it is displayed at the Tate Britain gallery in London, Monday, September 26, 2016. The Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo)

Irish television personality, model, and social media influencer Maura Higgins looked unrecognisable as she transformed into Pamela Anderson for Halloween on October 30, 2021. The 30-year-old star looked glam in a blonde curly hair as she channeled the Baywatch babe for an Ann Summers bash last night. (Photo by Shutterstock/Splash News)