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.

Kiki Layne attends the 24th annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 13, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Rob Latour/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Cardi B attends the Fanatics Super Bowl Party at College Football Hall of Fame on February 2, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage)

Robert Lewandowski of Poland in action against Cristian Romero (R) of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina at Stadium 974 on November 30, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Amanda Perobelli/Reuters)

A model presents a creation by Singapore-born designer Andrew GN as part of his Fall/Winter 2016/2017 women's ready-to-wear collection show in Paris, France, March 4, 2016. (Photo by Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

Dance floor atmosphere at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards – After Party at The Wooly on September 8, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Leigh-Anne Pinnock arriving at Gilgamesh Camden on September 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Flynet Pictures)

Chloe Lewis attends “The Ony Way Is Essex” season finale filming in Wintney, Hook, England on October 29, 2017. (Photo by Beretta/Sims/Rex Features/Shutterstock)