It is known by everyone that the Academy often overlooks the achievements of horror. IT Chapter Two (2019) deserved some recognition, but there were no nominations when Bill Hader hands down deserved a nod for his emotional portrayal of Ritchie. Annihilation (2018) is another one that was praised by critics for its themes of depression and grief. It deserved to be nominated for Best Film, and Natalie Portman did enough to earn a Best Actress nomination, but again, nothing. I could list all the films that deserved more recognition but were ignored just for being horror, but I would like to list times when horror made too much of a noise to be ignored.

GET OUT

Jordan Peele’s 2017 directorial debut was a massive success. The film follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) as he travels to meet his girlfriend’s family for the first time and uncovers that all is not what it seems. Jordan Peele won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for Best Director. It was also up for Best Picture, and Daniel Kaluuya was up for Best Leading Actor.

The Silence of the Lambs

One of the most influential horror films and the most quoted horror villain, sorry Freddy Krueger. Silence of the Lambs became an instant classic when it was released in 1991 and turned Anthony Hopkins into a terrifying character. Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is an FBI agent in training and is hired to help catch a serial killer under the name Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). In order to get into the mind of the serial killer, she visits Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a convicted serial killer and cannibal. It swept the Big 5 awards. The film won best picture, Jonathan Demme won best director, Anthony Hopkins won best actor, Jodie Foster won best actress, and Ted Tally won best adapted screenplay.

The Exorcist

Another classic, but one that has fallen into the hype train and deemed better than it really is, but still a great watch. When this film dropped in 1973, it shocked audiences with its religious and supernatural themes and highly realistic medical and shock scenes with a crucifix. Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) is a twelve-year-old girl who gets possessed by a demon after playing with a Ouija board. Her mother (Ellen Burstyn) gets help from priest Damien Karras (Jason Miller) to rid her daughter of the possession. It was nominated for best picture, William Friedkin was nominated for best director, Ellen Burstyn for best actress, Jason Miller for best supporting actor, Linda Blair for best supporting actress, and William Peter Blatty won best adapted screenplay.

Black Swan

I will admit ignorance towards this film. I didn’t know much about it till I watched it last year. I thought it was just a ballet film. It never occurred to me that it was horror. I had heard about it since it was released in 2010 but not the horror fact. The film follows a production of Black Swan. Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina whose passion for the dance rules every facet of her life. When the company’s artistic director decides to replace his prima ballerina for their opening production of “Swan Lake,” Nina is his first choice. She has competition in newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis), however. While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, Lily personifies the Black Swan. As rivalry between the two dancers transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina’s dark side begins to emerge. Natalie Portman won best actress, and the film was nominated for best picture, best director for Darren Aronofsky, best cinematography for Matthew Libatique, and best film editing for Andrew Weisblum.

Carrie

The debut novel by Stephen King and the first of many novels and adaptations of King’s work. Released in 1976, 2 years after the novel was released. It was a big success and reflected the success King would experience. The film follows Carrie White (Sissy Spacek), who is bullied all the time at school and emotionally and physically abused at her house by her mother (Piper Laurie). She develops telekinetic powers and uses them to get revenge. The main characters, Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie, were nominated for best actress and supporting actress.

The Substance

Is the film that might be the first horror film to win best picture since Silence of the Lambs. It also might give Demi Moore her first Academy Award win. Fading actress Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) becomes distressed when her chauvinistic boss fires her from her aerobics show. She soon injects herself with a mysterious serum that promises a younger, better version of herself, but things go horribly wrong. The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress for Demi Moore,, and Best Director and Original Screenplay for Coralie Fargeat. It won Best Hair and Makeup