How many horror movies have been nominated for Best Pictures at the Oscars before? Details explored

Modified Jan 27, 2025 18:05 GMT

Polonia Wax Museum In Krakow - Source: Getty — Exploring how many horror movies have been nominated for Best Pictures at the Oscars (Image via Getty)

The Oscars, formally known as the Academy Awards, launched in 1929 with a brief 15-minute gathering at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel. The inaugural ceremony recognized excellence in 12 distinct categories, establishing the groundwork for what would evolve into one of the film world's most coveted accolades.

Over the years, the Academy Awards have grown considerably, now encompassing 23 competitive categories along with special recognition awards. The ceremony has emerged as a global benchmark for cinematic achievement.

Annually, films from diverse categories compete for these honors, with a nomination alone considered a remarkable accomplishment. However, certain genres, particularly horror, have struggled to gain recognition. Throughout Oscar history, only seven horror films have secured Best Picture nominations, highlighting this genre's limited representation.

As the ceremony continues to adapt, it reflects cinema's lasting power and creative excellence.

The Silence of the Lambs, The Substance, and five other horror films nominated for Best Pictures at the Oscars to date

1) The Exorcist

Number of Oscars: 2

The Exorcist 1973 (Image via Prime Video)

William Friedkin's The Exorcist, which debuted in 1973, marked a milestone as the horror genre's first Best Picture Oscar nominee. The film received 10 nominations at the 46th Academy Awards and won for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.

The Exorcist is renowned for its intense portrayal of demonic possession and has since become a cultural icon. It remains a landmark horror film.

2) Jaws

Number of Oscars: 3

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws is another significant horror movie that received an Oscar nomination. The film, which ignited the era of summer blockbusters, received four Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture at the 48th ceremony.

Jaws won three Oscars: Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Sound. Although it did not win the Best Picture award, the movie altered the thriller and horror movie genres, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its time.

3) The Silence of the Lambs

Number of Oscars: 5

The Silence of the Lambs (Image via Prime Video)

The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme, stands out as the only horror movie to win the Oscar for Best Picture in 1991. The film received seven nominations at the 64th Academy Awards and eventually won five categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The film explores the complex relationship between a young FBI agent and a psychopathic serial killer and cannibal. It is one of only three to have won all five major Academy Awards.

4) The Sixth Sense

Number of Oscars: 0

The Sixth Sense, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and released in 1999, was a critical and financial success. The film was nominated for six categories at the 72nd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor.

The film excelled in all categories but did not win any awards. It is known for its surprising twist ending, which established Shyamalan as an expert in suspense and psychological horror.

5) Black Swan

Number of Oscars: 1

Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a psychosocial drama released in 2010. The movie was nominated for five Academy Awards at the 83rd Academy Awards. Natalie Portman won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance.

The film is considered a unique entry in the horror genre. Its blend of psychological drama and horror elements resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

6) Get Out

Number of Oscars: 1

Jordan Peele's Get Out, released in 2017, is recognized as a groundbreaking work that challenges audiences to consider racial and social issues through the horror genre. At the 90th Annual Oscars, the film received four nominations.

Making history, Peele won the award for Best Original Screenplay, becoming the first African American to receive this distinction. Get Out continues to gain critical acclaim for its original storytelling and cultural relevance.

7) The Substance

Number of Oscars: To Be Determined

The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, was released in 2024. The film received five nominations for the upcoming 97th Academy Awards, set to take place in March 2025. The nominations include Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Demi Moore.

The film is a body-horror commentary that has been widely praised for its new approach to the genre. The Oscar winners remain undecided ahead of the awards ceremony.

Stay tuned for more news and updates.

Edited by Shubham Soni