diff --git a/nodes.py b/nodes.py
index 974df17..8101399 100644
--- a/nodes.py
+++ b/nodes.py
@@ -347,7 +347,11 @@ def prepare_src_image(self, img):
     def GetMaskImg(self):
         if self.mask_img is None:
             path = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__)), "./LivePortrait/utils/resources/mask_template.png")
-            self.mask_img = cv2.imread(path, cv2.IMREAD_COLOR)
+            try:
+                pil_img = Image.open(path).convert("RGB")
+                self.mask_img = np.array(pil_img)
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(f"[ERROR] Cannot open MASK image with Pillow: {e}")
         return self.mask_img
 
     def crop_face(self, img_rgb, crop_factor):
@@ -977,4 +981,4 @@ def run(self, rotate_pitch, rotate_yaw, rotate_roll, blink, eyebrow, wink, pupil
     "ExpressionEditor": "Expression Editor (PHM)",
     "LoadExpData": "Load Exp Data (PHM)",
     "SaveExpData": "Save Exp Data (PHM)"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}