Jokesters Laud Meryl Streep's Oscar Acceptance Speech

The allotted 30-seconds given to Academy Award winners at the podium traditionally haven't left much time for praising "the little people" who helped get them there. 

But for perennial Oscar nominees like the legendary Meryl Streep, her third victory Sunday night provided the perfect opportunity to thank first and foremost two individuals who have supported her work for decades—her husband and her makeup artist.

Streep won Best Actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady—a challenging role in which she transformed into the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. 

She began by joking that she felt audiences were fed up with her third victory to which she curtly added, "but whatever," with a big smile. She went on to thank her husband so his name wouldn't be played out by music. But then, an unlikely addition to her list of praise—she thanked J. Roy Helland, her makeup artist of 37 years. 

While watching the show from her Lutherville home, Marianne Wittlesberger, one half of the local celebrity Jokesters performance and makeup team, couldn't help but be taken aback. 

“I thought that was really amazing because makeup artists are usually like the last people who get mentioned or thought of in show business," Wittlesberger said. "It’s almost a step above the extras. To give that call out, that recognition from one of the greatest actors, actresses of our time, it’s pretty amazing. It shows me that she’s not only talented but a really appreciative person.”

“It’s nice to thank the little people who make you look good every day,” she continued.

Wittlesberger and her husband Steve Bauer worked as makeup artists in Hollywood for 12 years before returning home to Lutherville, Wittlesberger said. They've become a favorite go-to couple for .

But when their profession is praised before a television audience of millions at the epitome of grandeur in film, she can't help but feel pride. 

“It was a proud night for makeup artists,” Wittlesberger said.

J. Roy Helland took home an Oscar earlier in the evening for his efforts in transforming Streep into Thatcher—work that Wittlesberger believed tipped the scale in Streep's favor for claiming the golden statue. 

“Let’s face it, all those transformations that she went through—her makeup artists made her look good," Wittlesberger said. "She’s a great actress, but making her look like Margaret Thatcher is what really sold that role.” 

Wittlesberger and her husband view film and television differently than most people outside of the industry—something she routinely imparts to her . 

“In my class, I tell my students to start watching television and movies with a critical eye—start noticing these things that I’m teaching you," she said. "It’s like when you’re in film class and you learn about editing, you could then watch a movie in a completely different way. It’s the same with makeup.” 

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