Oscar-Nominated Horror Films That Left a Mark on the Genre

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Summary

  • The Oscars rarely recognize horror films, with only 7 Best Picture nominations and 1 win in 97 years.
  • The Substance by Coralie Fargeat broke the mold by getting 5 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
  • Films like Get Out and The Exorcist have made important impacts on the horror genre.

Over the course of nearly a century, I’ve witnessed a fascinating trend at the Oscars: the horror genre has been surprisingly overlooked. Since the inaugural ceremony in 1929, just seven terrifying films have been graced with a nomination for the coveted Best Picture award, and among them, only one – “The Silence of the Lambs” in 1992 – has managed to take home the prize.

This year’s nominations showcased a unique recognition for an underrepresented genre. The gritty, horror film “The Substance,” directed by Carolie Fargeat, earned five nominations, including Best Picture, making it one of the few horror movies to be considered for this prestigious award. Here is the list of every critically acclaimed horror film that has been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.

7. The Substance

An Over-The-Top Body Horror With Substance

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Coralie Fargeat’s groundbreaking film, titled “The Substance,” shook up the typical Oscar contenders this year. This isn’t your average popcorn flick; it’s a grim and graphic exploration of the dark side of show business and the relentless pursuit of youth in Hollywood. Demi Moore delivers a chilling performance as Elizabeth Sparkle, a fading star who resorts to drastic lengths to rejuvenate her career by creating a younger, more perfect version of herself, embodied brilliantly by Margaret Qualley.

Similar to Fargeat’s initial film, Revenge, The Substance offers an intense sensory journey that is stylistically jarring and extravagant. It doesn’t shy away from its themes and makes a bold statement with its feminist message, presenting a poignant and indelible story of self-destruction.

6. Black Swan

A Psychological Horror Film Filled With Masterful Performances

In 2010, Darren Aronofsky broke an eighteen-year absence of horror nominees in the Best Picture category at the Oscars with the film “Black Swan”. This movie tells the story of Nina, a meticulous ballerina, who experiences a decline in her mental stability as she is relentlessly pushed to her limits while preparing for the challenging lead role in Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, Swan Lake.

Nina’s psychological breakdown is vividly depicted through horrifying hallucinations in “Black Swan,” a film directed by Aronofsky that skillfully combines psychological and physical horror. The result is an unsettling narrative about obsession, which is both captivating and terrifying. Natalie Portman’s mesmerizing portrayal of Nina earned her the Best Actress Oscar, making her the only actor to win for a horror performance at that time. Although “Black Swan” didn’t win the award for Best Picture, it remains one of the Academy’s most hauntingly memorable films.

5. Get Out

A Groundbreaking And Timely Social Thriller

In 2018, when the film “Get Out” was nominated for Best Picture, it broke the trend of the Academy often overlooking the horror genre. Jordan Peele’s directorial debut offers a chilling exploration of modern race relations in America, disguised within the common scenario of a young Black man (played by Daniel Kaluuya) meeting his white girlfriend’s parents for the first time. The movie gradually transforms into an unsettling and grotesque narrative, employing horror and comedy elements to shed light on and mock the grim realities of contemporary society.

Peele’s original tale resonates deeply with classic suspenseful horror narratives such as “Night of the Living Dead” and “The Silence of the Lambs,” garnering it acclaim that is uncommon for the horror genre, saturated with violence, and cementing its significance in horror film history.

4. Jaws

A Timeless Monster Movie

In 1975, during the summer season, Steven Spielberg unveiled his groundbreaking film, “Jaws”, which was based on Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel about a menacing shark causing havoc in a small coastal town. This movie, often referred to as the preeminent monster flick of all time, achieved unprecedented commercial success and marked the dawn of summer blockbusters. It significantly transformed Hollywood filmmaking and garnered four Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Best Picture.

Instead of the many shark films imitating what had come before, Jaws stands out for its gripping narrative structure. Spielberg skillfully withheld the film’s massive 25-foot mechanical shark, instead using John Williams’ haunting musical score and innovative cinematography to hint at the monster’s presence rather than display it directly. This technique of building suspense from an unseen enemy was incredibly effective in creating tension. Although it didn’t win the Best Picture award, the impact of Jaws on popular culture as the film that made people wary of swimming remains strong.

3. The Exorcist

A Head-Turning Horror Classic

Fifty years after the initial Academy Award ceremony, William Friedkin’s movie “The Exorcist” left an indelible mark in film history. Not only was it considered the most shocking film ever created, but it also became the first horror production to compete for the prestigious Best Picture award. Premiering in 1973, “The Exorcist” sparked widespread controversy due to its graphic depiction of a twelve-year-old girl being possessed by demons. The intense scenes left audiences terrified and disturbed, with some particularly disturbing moments remaining etched in popular memory even half a century later.

Despite garnering just two out of its ten Academy Award nominations, specifically for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing, The Exorcist paved the way for a new era in horror filmmaking and stands as a timeless masterpiece within the genre.

2. The Sixth Sense

An Unconventional And Genre-Defining Ghost Story

In 1999, “The Sixth Sense” was an unstoppable cultural sensation. It was equally successful at the box office and among critics, earning six Oscar nominations and making M. Night Shyamalan a well-known director known for his unique twist endings. The story revolves around a child psychologist portrayed by Bruce Willis, as he starts treating a troubled boy who has an unusual condition – he can see the deceased.

As a cinema enthusiast, M. Night Shyamalan’s masterclass in genre filmmaking truly cemented his status as a familiar name in households everywhere. While the movie’s most-discussed twist was indeed captivating, it wasn’t the only reason why The Sixth Sense left an indelible mark. This film skillfully incorporated jump scares within a deeply emotional narrative structure, effortlessly merging horror and drama – a blend that would go on to shape the next wave of genre-blending horror movies, among them the equally acclaimed Oscar nominee, Get Out.

1. The Silence Of The Lambs

The Oscar-Winning Scary Movie That Re-Wrote The Rulebook

In 1992, I witnessed a chilling horror movie that dared to challenge the norm and secure the prestigious Best Picture award – Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece, “The Silence of the Lambs.” To this day, it remains the only horror film to have graced the hallowed Best Picture category, sweeping an unprecedented five major Academy Awards. This chilling tale of cat-and-mouse between a young FBI agent and a cannibalistic serial killer continues to hold its place among the most acclaimed films in cinematic history.

The movie, titled “The Silence of the Lambs,” is adapted from Thomas Harris’ renowned novel with the same name. In this story, we follow FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she delves into the mind of a notorious serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, to gain insights about another murderer, Buffalo Bill. Demme’s masterpiece revolutionized the horror genre by incorporating complex themes and a raw depiction of reality, paving the way for other horror films to contend for top honors in the film industry, such as Best Picture awards.

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2025-02-12 20:05