While horror movies are not typically in the running for the most prestigious awards in the movie industry, there have been some notable exceptions. In recent years, the horror genre has experienced a resurgence, with high-concept narratives surpassing cheap gore and jump-scares. A-listers like Halle Berry, Nicolas Cage, Hugh Grant, and Al Pacino have all been involved in horror movies in the last year.
The Exorcist (1973), directed by William Friedkin, was one of the first horror movies to receive significant recognition. The film was based on the novel of the same name and follows a young girl who is possessed by a powerful demon. Two Catholic priests are called in to perform an exorcism to remove the demon.
Another notable horror film is The Silence of the Lambs (1991), directed by Jonathan Demme. This psychological thriller follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter to solve a series of gruesome murders. The film features a cat-and-mouse game between Clarice and Hannibal, with Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins receiving widespread acclaim for their performances.
The Silence of the Lambs is the only true horror movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film was also recognized for its acting, writing, and directing, making it one of the most highly acclaimed films of all time. The Silence of the Lambs is based on Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel of the same name and is considered one of the greatest literary adaptations of all time.
Despite the growing acceptance of the horror genre, it seems unlikely that another horror movie will win the Academy Award for Best Picture anytime soon. However, with the recent success of films like Nosferatu and The Substance, the genre continues to evolve and gain recognition.