When it comes to winning big awards, aside from horror-centric shows like the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, horror is usually a mere footnote. There have been a few notable exceptions over the years, and it looks as though this year’s show is in the works to make horror history on film’s biggest night, March 15.
Previous horror Oscar winners
Historically, the most prominent horror movie to win big at the Oscars (in fact, it swept all of the Big Five categories – Actor, Actress, Movie, Director, and Screenplay) is 1991’s Silence of the Lambs. Largely considered a masterpiece, the story that pitted young FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) against notorious and terrifying murderer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) was a commercial and critical success. It’s a perfect example of horror infiltrating the mainstream.
If you’re among those who count it (I do!), the only other horror movie to win Best Picture is Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy-horror film The Shape of Water in 2017.
However, horror has managed to land Best Actress nods (Kathy Bates in 1990’s Misery and Natalie Portman in 2010’s Black Swan) and Best Screenplay (Get Out in 2017 and The Exorcist in 1973) wins.
Obviously, several scattered special effects awards have been received over the years, including Rick Baker’s win for Hair and Makeup for An American Werewolf in London, which was the very first award in that category! A Best Visual Effects award went to Alien, and films like The Fly, Beetlejuice, Sleepy Hollow, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Omen nabbed awards in numerous categories.
Sinners may bless us ALL
This year, horror has already broken records. Ryan Coogler’s phenomenal vampire film, Sinners, has nabbed 16 nominations, more than any film has ever been nominated…even surpassing Titanic and La La Land, each with 14 nominations. The categories include Best Picture, Director, and Actor, among others.
This is a huge boon for horror. Anytime a horror film can make it into the mainstream, it’s a win for everyone involved. Directors, actors, and even, yes, us horror fans! Award-winning horror brings more attention to the genre we love, more interest, and more money, which means even more amazing horror films being made, putting revenue into our favorite films and allowing us fans to reap the rewards!
Just look at how Terrifier went from a small privately-funded movie to a huge commercial success! Now imagine if Terrifier won Oscars, and how that would bring even more interest to a film that the mainstream may not be fully aware of (well, they should be, but you get what I mean!).
Three MORE horror movies nominated for Academy Awards in 2026
It’s an embarrassment of riches this year for cinephiles that love horror at the Oscars, because Frankenstein, directed by grown-up horror kid Guillermo del Toro (and one of my favorite modern horror minds) made a splash when it landed on Netflix last year, loved by Mary Shelley purists and everyone else even though del Toro lovingly made the movie his own with thoughtful changes and bold choices.
Frankenstein secured nine nominations; not too shabby. These include Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Jacob Elordi) as well as Best Adapted Screenplay. Nods for Costume Design and Makeup make sense – the film is a lush, rich, colorful treat for the senses.
Zach Cregger pulled out all the stops with his creative, zany film Weapons, giving seasoned actress Amy Madigan a playground with the wild character of Aunt Gladys, who stole the movie right out from under all the other amazing actors on screen. Not only did Madigan land a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role, but she broke another record with the longest time to go between noms – Madigan was last nominated for Oscar gold 40 years ago!
Amy Madigan’s appearance in Weapons was kept as secretive as possible to surprise fans, who had never seen the veteran dramatic actress play such an out-there part. I honestly didn’t even realize it was her until after the movie! She really did an amazing job.
Lastly, Norwegian movie The Ugly Stepsister clinched a nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. This creative take on the Cinderella story ratcheted up the intensity of the old-school fairy tale by injecting body horror into the mix. It’s a really fun film with insane effects that almost made me gag. The period-perfect looks and fashion seal the deal and make the film come to life.
What’s your pick for Oscar gold this year?
Do you think horror will bring home any awards? Watching Frankenstein go up against Sinners will be fun! Although a big part of my horror heart belongs to del Toro, I think Coogler’s sweeping, scenic drama will definitely win big next month.
***This post was written by Christi Bandy***
Where to Watch the 2025 Academy Award Nominated Horror Movies
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Sinners
Sinners has been nominated for BEST PICTURE, Best Directing (Ryan Coogler), Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo), Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Music Score, Best Original Song, Best Casting, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects. A record-breaking 16 nominations!
Where to watch Sinners (2025):
Frankenstein
Frankenstein has been nominated for BEST PICTURE, Best Actor (Jacob Elordi), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Music Score, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Costume Design.
Where to watch Frankenstein (2025):
Weapons
Weapons has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Amy Madigan).
Where to watch Weapons (2025):
The Ugly Stepsister
The Ugly Stepsister has been nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Where to watch The Ugly Stepsister (2025):
Best of luck to all of the 2025 horror Academy Awards nominees! If you’d like to see which horror films have won an Oscar (in any category) in the past, check out our list of Horror Oscar Winners. Here’s hoping we get to update our list with more winners after March 15, 2026!
Images for this article were purchased via CineMaterial (posters) and MovieStillsDB (stills).
