NEW YORK — Whether it is supernatural forces, realistic threats, suspenseful tension or spine-chilling moments, horror movies are having a moment, and the Academy is paying attention.
The genre’s rise into prestige territory has industry watchers taking notice as horror as a genre is finally getting its due.
“Without a doubt. This is the best year that horror has ever had at the Oscars,” said Erik Davis, Managing editor for Fandango.
“We still have a ways to go, but horror definitely is getting a place on the big stage,” said Clayton Davis, Chief Awards Editor for Variety.
In nearly 100 years of Academy Awards history, only a handful of horror films have ever been nominated for Best Picture, and just one has ever won. “The Silence of the Lambs” made history in 1992 as the only horror film to sweep the Big Five categories: picture, director, actor, actress and screenplay.
And now comes “Sinners.”
Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller, set in the Jim Crow-era South, did not just get nominated, it shattered the all-time Academy Awards record with 16 nominations, more than any film in Oscar history.
When it comes to breaking down “Sinners,” it could be argued that it doesn’t necessarily fit into one genre.
“Well, I definitely think ‘Sinners’ is a horror movie at its core,” Erik said. “It’s got a crazy vampire section, all the tropes you see in a vampire horror movie, blood and guts and scares and villains, but it’s also got a lot of music, this Southern Gothic element, and it’s about family, brotherhood, ambition and legacy. That’s what makes a great horror movie, and that’s what makes a great Oscar movie.”
Entertainment reporter Joelle Garguilo noted that Oscar-caliber films tend to “have something to say,” adding that horror has not always been viewed that way.
Erik pointed to a turning point: “Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out,’ he said he was going to make a horror movie but also have something to say within it. He was going to scare you and make you think. After ‘Get Out’ became the revolution that it was, especially at the Oscars, I think people looked at horror differently.”
This year, it is not just “Sinners” making waves.
“You also have ‘Weapons’ and Amy Madigan nominated. You also have ‘Frankenstein’ and Jacob Elordi nominated,” Erik said, noting the wide range of horror projects honored.
Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” earned nine nominations, while Amy Madigan, scene stealing as Aunt Gladys in “Weapons,” earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
“She’s 75 years old, Ed Harris’ wife, the queen of this season in so many ways,” Clayton said. “What a comeback, 40 years after her first nomination. She thought Hollywood was through with her, she thought the Academy was through with her, and here she comes in a horror film, with a Critics Choice Award under her belt. Her hurdle is that Weapons is the sole nomination for the movie. It’s very hard to win an Academy Award in acting when you’re the only nomination.”
Horror’s challenges at the Oscars are well documented.
“Horror is one of two genres with its back against the wall,” Clayton said. “‘The Sixth Sense’ made history, got all those nominations and walked out with nothing. Horror films are tough to get over the finish line.”
Davis added that while films such as “The Exorcist,” “Jaws” and “Misery” earned recognition, wins remain rare.
“Natalie Portman was the last actress to win for a horror movie, ‘Black Swan’ in 2010,” he said. “Historically, horror has not shown up in the way it is this year.”
Erik said it signals a shift. “Audiences are taking horror movies seriously. These are films that did very well at the box office and critically. The Academy is realizing how important it is to acknowledge movies that are well-made and loved by audiences and critics. It doesn’t matter that it’s a horror movie, it matters that it’s a great movie. And that’s what we’re seeing this year.”
For a genre that has spent decades watching from the sidelines, this year horror did not wait for an invitation, it kicked the door down.
The moment lands differently for horror fans and filmmakers who have waited for generations.
“To see films like ‘Sinners’ and ‘Weapons’ have success, not just at the box office but at the Academy Awards, is a big win for the genre overall,” Davis said.
“The most nominations of all time being a horror movie, it’s pretty sick,” Clayton said.
That is definitely something to scream about.
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