Key Highlights
- Director Ti West believes horror films can gain recognition at the Academy Awards with the right campaign.
- Mia Goth’s performance in ‘Pearl’ is seen as deserving of a Best Actress nomination.
- The horror genre remains underrepresented at the Oscars, despite notable exceptions like ‘Get Out’.
(livesinsight.com) – The horror genre is in yet another renaissance – so much so that the term “elevated horror” had to be introduced as a way for non-genre fans to cope with the fact that, yes, maybe they do like horror films. But we still probably shouldn’t expect them to be featured at the Academy Awards alongside the usual fare, no matter how seriously they are being taken in 2024. But X series director Ti West has hope that one day this could change, seeing the Oscars becoming more receptive to the horror genre with just the right timing.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Ti West said that it’s possible that horror could be better represented at the Oscars, provided there is full support. “It depends on the movie, it depends on the campaign. It’s complicated. It’s something that I have never experienced, but it’s not as simple as someone being good in a movie and then they get a nomination. It’s a more dense industry-oriented thing than that. So it’s just a matter of the right performance at the right time and with the right campaign. It’s a whole bunch of work, frankly, to be on the trail for something like that.”
West also noted that, yes, it is extremely rare for horror to be on the Oscars stage, name-checking The Silence of the Lambs, The Sixth Sense and Jordan Peele, whose Get Out is the most recent horror film nominated for Best Picture. (A lot of people wouldn’t even categorize the first two as horror, instead opting to label them as thrillers for whatever reason.) West himself said that, on the acting front, Mia Goth should have been up for Best Actress for Pearl. As for West’s own potential for breaking that Best Picture barrier, it’s probably safe to say that the divisive MaXXXine (heck, even our own critics can’t agree on this one!) won’t be another one to do it…
We could all name several horror films throughout history that deserved more Oscars recognition, but by and large, there’s no denying that the AMPAS has been ignorant to their impact. Outside of the occasional nomination here and there, there was a short tribute to the genre at the Academy Awards way back in 2010. Gee, thanks for the support!
What do you think it will take for horror to get more attention at the Oscars? When do you think we’ll get another from the genre up for Best Picture?
The Renaissance of Horror
The renaissance of the horror genre is impossible to ignore, with filmmakers like Ti West at the forefront, championing the cause for more serious recognition. The term “elevated horror” has emerged to describe these films that blend traditional horror elements with profound thematic depth, strong character development, and high production values. Films such as ‘Hereditary’, ‘Midsommar’, and ‘The Witch’ have set new benchmarks, making it harder to dismiss the genre as mere shock entertainment.
This new wave is pushing boundaries, exploring complex social issues, and delivering deeply psychological narratives, which have garnered both critical and commercial success. Fans and critics alike are beginning to see horror films not just as thrill rides but as legitimate artistic endeavors worthy of higher accolades. Yet, despite this evolution, the Academy Awards, the most prestigious recognition in the film industry, remains largely out of reach for these films.
Ti West’s ‘X’ series, including the controversial ‘MaXXXine’, exemplifies this trend where horror is used as a medium to explore deeper themes and character arcs. These films demand a nuanced appreciation that transcends traditional genre boundaries. However, the path to Oscars glory for horror remains fraught with challenges. Even with the growing sophistication of horror narratives, the Academy tends to favor more conventional genres like drama or biopics, which are perceived as ‘serious’ cinema.
Ti West’s Vision and the Oscars
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ti West highlighted the complexities involved in getting horror films recognized by the Academy. He explained that the process is much more intricate than simply delivering a good performance. It involves an entire campaign and industry-oriented nuances that many are not familiar with. “It’s not as simple as someone being good in a movie and then they get a nomination. It’s a whole bunch of work, frankly, to be on the trail for something like that,” West elaborated.
West believes that the right campaign and timing are critical components for a horror film to break through the Oscars barrier. He pointed out the rarity of horror films being highlighted at the Oscars, citing ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, ‘The Sixth Sense’, and ‘Get Out’ as notable exceptions. The latter, directed by Jordan Peele, is the most recent horror film to receive a Best Picture nomination. It’s telling that many still debate whether the first two films are even true horror, often labeling them as thrillers.
West’s own works, particularly his ‘X’ series, including the much-debated ‘MaXXXine’, reflect his ambition to push horror into the Oscars spotlight. While ‘MaXXXine’ has divided critics, West continues to advocate for films that push genre boundaries and deliver compelling narratives.
Furthermore, West expressed his belief that Mia Goth’s performance in ‘Pearl’ was worthy of a Best Actress nomination. Goth’s portrayal of a young woman’s descent into madness was a tour de force, showcasing her immense talent and range. However, like many other deserving horror performances, it went largely unrecognized by the Academy.
West’s comments underscore the need for a broader appreciation of the horror genre, one that acknowledges its artistic merits and cultural impact. With the right support, he believes that horror can achieve greater recognition and perhaps even win the coveted Best Picture award one day.
The Undervalued Performances in Horror
Mia Goth’s stunning performance in ‘Pearl’ is a poignant example of the talent often overlooked in horror films. Her nuanced portrayal of a character on the brink of insanity deserves commendation, yet it failed to garner the attention of the Academy. This oversight is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of undervaluing performances in the horror genre.
Horror films, by their very nature, demand a lot from their actors. The emotional and physical intensity required can often surpass that of more conventional genres. Yet, these performances frequently go unrecognized. Despite Goth’s mesmerizing performance, ‘Pearl’ was not on the Oscars radar, reflecting a persistent bias against horror.
Other actors have faced similar snubs. Toni Collette’s harrowing performance in ‘Hereditary’ is often cited as one of the most egregious omissions in recent Oscar history. Her portrayal of a grieving mother unraveling amidst supernatural occurrences was both gut-wrenching and brilliant, yet it failed to earn her a nomination. Similarly, Lupita Nyong’o’s dual role in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ showcased her exceptional range and versatility, yet it too went unnoticed by the Academy.
These omissions highlight a significant gap in the Oscars’ recognition of acting talent within the horror genre. The emotional depth and complexity required in horror performances deserve acknowledgment and appreciation. As Ti West noted, the right campaign could make a difference, but it also requires a shift in perception among Academy voters.
For horror films and their actors to gain the recognition they deserve, there needs to be a broader understanding and appreciation of the genre’s unique demands. This involves acknowledging the skill and dedication required to deliver performances that are both terrifying and deeply human.
The Path Forward for Horror
Despite the challenges, there is hope for a future where horror films receive the recognition they deserve at the Academy Awards. Directors like Ti West are leading the charge, advocating for a broader acceptance of the genre’s artistic merits. The growing popularity and critical acclaim of elevated horror films indicate a shifting tide, one that could eventually lead to greater Oscars recognition.
West’s vision for horror’s future at the Oscars hinges on the right combination of performance, timing, and a strategic campaign. He believes that with the right support, horror films can break through the traditional barriers and achieve greater recognition. This involves not only delivering exceptional films but also engaging in industry-oriented efforts to garner attention and support from Academy voters.
One potential avenue for change is the increasing diversity among Academy voters. As the Academy continues to expand its membership and include more voices from different backgrounds, there is hope that this will lead to a broader appreciation of diverse genres, including horror. The success of films like ‘Get Out’ and the critical acclaim for recent horror films suggest that there is an appetite for more recognition of the genre.
Furthermore, the rise of streaming platforms has democratized access to films, allowing a wider audience to appreciate the artistic merits of horror films. This increased visibility can help build momentum for greater recognition at prestigious awards like the Oscars. By showcasing the best of what horror has to offer, filmmakers and actors can continue to push for the acknowledgment they deserve.
Ultimately, the path forward for horror involves a combination of exceptional filmmaking, strategic campaigning, and a shift in perception among industry insiders. With advocates like Ti West leading the charge, there is hope that horror will one day take its rightful place on the Oscars stage.
Conclusion
The ongoing struggle for horror to gain recognition at the Academy Awards is a reflection of broader biases within the film industry. Despite the undeniable talent and artistic merit within the genre, horror films and their actors often remain overlooked. However, with the continued efforts of filmmakers like Ti West and the growing popularity of elevated horror, there is hope for a future where the genre receives the recognition it deserves. Mia Goth’s performance in ‘Pearl’ is a testament to the exceptional talent within horror, and with the right support and campaigning, there is potential for greater recognition at the Oscars. As the industry evolves and becomes more inclusive, there is hope that horror will one day be celebrated alongside the traditional Oscar fare.