The Substance: A Turning Point for Horror in the Academy’s Embrace?

Introduction

Demi Moore’s triumph at the Critics Choice Awards for her role in The Substance has sparked a significant discourse on the recognition of horror films within the cinematic landscape. Moore’s heartfelt acceptance speech highlighted the oft-overlooked profundity and artistry inherent in the genre. This echoes the sentiments of many film enthusiasts who have long lamented the exclusion of horror from the highest echelons of cinematic accolades.

Historical Context

Throughout the nearly century-long history of the Academy Awards, only seven horror films have garnered nominations for Best Picture:

• The Exorcist (1973)
• Jaws (1975)
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
• The Sixth Sense (1999)
• Black Swan (2010)
• Get Out (2017)
• The Substance (2023)

Of these, only The Silence of the Lambs has emerged victorious.

Acting Accolades and Notable Snubs

Horror has fared slightly better in the acting categories, with notable wins for Kathy Bates in Misery and Natalie Portman in Black Swan. However, numerous exceptional performances have been overlooked, including:

• Toni Collette in Hereditary
• Lupita Nyong’o in Us
• Florence Pugh in Midsommar
• Mia Goth in Pearl
• Elisabeth Moss in The Invisible Man

The Stigma of Horror

Historically, horror has faced a stigma as a less prestigious genre than others. This has led to the emergence of the term "elevated horror" to describe more thought-provoking and layered films within the genre. Implicit in this term is the condescending notion that horror inherently requires elevation and is often unworthy of serious consideration. Ironically, the genre has a rich history of exploring profound social and psychological themes dating back to George Romero’s seminal Night of the Living Dead.

The Academy’s Avoidance of Horror

The Academy’s historical avoidance of horror stems from a combination of factors:

• Personal preferences: Many voters simply do not enjoy being scared or dealing with graphic content.
• Institutional bias: The Academy has traditionally favored less challenging and more broadly appealing genres.
• Preferential balloting system: This system rewards films that rank highly across multiple ballots, which can be difficult for divisive genres like horror to achieve.

The Substance as a Catalyst

The Substance’s inclusion in the Best Picture race marks a significant shift:

• Unambiguous genre: Unlike previous horror films nominated for Best Picture, The Substance cannot be easily classified as something else.
• Gore and repulsion: The film’s third act is so intense that it demands a warning before being recommended to even horror enthusiasts.
• Academy’s openness to offbeat genres: The Oscars have recently shown a willingness to embrace unconventional films like The Shape of Water and Everything Everywhere All at Once, suggesting a potential shift towards inclusivity.

Moore’s Award Narrative and Potential Impact

While The Substance’s success is likely due in part to Moore’s compelling narrative of being overlooked for years, it also represents a potential breakthrough for the genre itself. If Moore wins Best Actress, it could signal the Academy’s willingness to recognize exceptional work in horror. However, earning recognition as a horror film remains an uphill battle, as evidenced by the lack of buzz for Lily-Rose Depp’s performance in Nosferatu and Naomi Scott’s in Smile 2.

Conclusion

Whether or not The Substance ultimately wins Best Picture, its inclusion among the nominees has ignited a crucial conversation about the recognition of horror within the Academy’s embrace. It is time for the Oscars to acknowledge that great work can come from all corners of the cinematic spectrum. Recognizing horror as a genre worthy of celebration would not only validate the millions of fans who appreciate its unique contributions, but it would also enhance the legitimacy and credibility of the Academy itself.