The 98th Academy Awards Mark A Turning Point For Horror Films
After decades of being overlooked, horror films are finally receiving the spotlight they deserve.
At the 98th Academy Awards, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners became the most nominated film in Oscar’s history with 16 nominations. It stands alongside Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation, which was nominated nine times.
Mainstream blockbusters Titanic and La La Land previously held the record with 14 nominations.
The Academy Awards is the oldest entertainment award show. Its first ceremony was held in 1929.
Despite the show’s historically long run, horror movies have taken home less than 50 awards.
So, why the sudden shift in the way these flicks are perceived by critics?
Historically, horror films are looked down upon for being “cheap” and lacking artistry. Most are known to opt for lowbrow terror techniques like jumpscares or excessive gore.
But high budget productions like Sinners and Frankenstein have reshaped that narrative. They have substance and intention in the way they’re written and have established themselves as pieces of arthouse cinema.
During awards season, action, historical pieces and dramas are typically seen as “Oscar bait”. These movies typically garner the most attention from critics and Academy voters, leading them to be seen as the most respectable and distinguished genres.
The “Big Five”—Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay—are the most prestigious awards of the night. Wins in these categories signify a massive accomplishment for films.
Sinners has received nominations for four out of the five categories, only missing Best Actress, with Frankenstein as a nominee for two, including Best Screenplay.
Both films are nominated as finalists for arguably the biggest award of the night—Best Picture, a feat only eight other horror movies have had, with 1991’s The Silence of the Lambs being the only one to win.
The first time a horror film was selected for this category was The Exorcist in 1974—that is 45 years after the first Oscar was awarded.
While the recognition of Sinners has signified a massive achievement for fright films, Frankenstein does not fall behind.
The remake is the third most nominated film at this year’s Oscars, tied with Marty Supreme and Sentimental Value, which are drama movies.
Despite that, there is room for more appreciation for these films. Previous snubs and the decades-long lack of awards for highly-rated horror movies still need to be made up for.
Nonetheless, the striking nominations of these pictures for the 2026 Academy Awards has marked a new recognition for horror films as strong contenders alongside traditional film genres.
It’s likely this won’t be the last time these hair-raising movies find great success in award shows.
This year’s Oscars will be held on March 16 at 7 p.m. EST, and can be watched on ABC and Hulu Live.
