Why The Academy Awards Ignore Horror Films?

Throughout the history of cinema, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has had a strong tendency to ignore horror films, which manifests a sad intellectual limitation on its part.

Horror movies have historically been viewed as less "elevated" or "respectable" compared to other genres like drama or historical films. This perception stems from the genre's origins in B-movies and its emphasis on thrills and scares, which are often seen as less artistic than other forms of storytelling.

The demographics of the Academy's voting body play a significant role. Many voters are older and may not be the target audience for horror films, leading them to dismiss these movies without even watching them. This age gap can result in a lack of understanding or appreciation for the genre's current evolution and artistic merit.

The Oscars traditionally focus on films that are considered "proper" or "respectable" cinema, often overlooking genre films like horror unless they have a strong social message or allegorical theme. Horror films that do get nominated often have elements beyond the horror genre, such as social commentary or dramatic storytelling, which can make them more palatable to voters.

Despite horror being one of the oldest and most enduring genres in cinema, it is often perceived as inferior to other genres. This perception is reflected in the lack of nominations for horror films in major categories like Best Picture, despite their critical acclaim and box office success.

There is a growing recognition of horror's artistic value and its ability to engage audiences. Recent successes and the evolving nature of the genre may eventually lead to greater recognition by the Academy. However, until then, horror films will likely continue to face an uphill battle for Oscar recognition.

#Few exceptions

Throughout history, a few horror films have received Oscars.

1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991): This is the only horror film to have won the Best Picture award. It also won four other major Oscars: Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

2. The Exorcist (1973): Although it did not win Best Picture, it received ten nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, highlighting its critical acclaim.

3. Get Out (2017): While not strictly a horror film, it incorporates horror elements and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor.

4. Misery (1990): Kathy Bates won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in this psychological horror film.

5. Rosemary's Baby (1968): This psychological horror film won two Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for Ruth Gordon and Best Adapted Screenplay.

6. The Substance (2024): Recently nominated for Best Picture, marking a rare instance of a horror film receiving such recognition.

These films demonstrate that while horror is often overlooked, there are instances where the genre has been acknowledged for its artistic and cultural impact.

#Evolution of horror movies

Horror movies evolve all the time and get stronger when they merge with other film genres.

Horror films that incorporate elements from other genres, such as thriller or drama, often fare better at the Oscars than pure horror films. This is because these hybrid films can be perceived as more interesting by the Academy, as they often include themes and storytelling elements that are traditionally valued in Oscar contenders.

For example, Black Swan (2010) combines psychological horror with elements of drama and ballet. It received five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and Natalie Portman won the Best Actress award. The film's focus on character psychology and its dramatic elements likely contributed to its Oscar success.

Films that blend horror with other genres are often seen as having more artistic merit, as they can explore deeper themes and storytelling techniques beyond mere scares.

These films tend to appeal to a wider audience, including those who might not typically watch horror movies. This broader appeal can lead to more nominations and wins.

Many hybrid horror films include strong social commentary, which resonates with Academy voters who value films that address significant issues.

Horror films that incorporate elements from other genres like thriller or drama tend to fare better at the Oscars because they are perceived as more sophisticated and artistically valuable, and they often appeal to a broader audience.