It’s a story as old as the Oscars: horror films get snubbed. And this year, rising star Mia Goth is speaking out against the Academy’s disregard for the genre after her critically acclaimed film Pearl was shut out of the nominations.
It is a fact that the Academy often overlooks horror films, and it is time for this bias to change. The horror genre is an important and integral part of cinema and should be recognized as such. From The Exorcist to Get Out, horror films have scared audiences and sparked important conversations about society and culture.
Mia Goth speaks out against the Academy’s disregard for horror films.
Suggested Article: ‘Henry Cavill needs to be Omni-Man’: With Universal Making Invincible Live Action Movie, Fans Want Superman Star To Play the Ruthless Viltrumite
In a recent conversation with the Emmy-Winning entertainment anchor, Jake Hamilton, Goth expressed that this form of ignorance is “very political“:
“I think that it’s very political. It’s not entirely based on the quality of a project per se. There’s a lot going on there and a lot of cooks in the kitchen when it comes to nominations. Maybe I shouldn’t say that, but I think that’s true. I think a lot of people know that.”
Mia Goth also further suggests that a “shift should occur” for better engagement that, ultimately, the Academy “would benefit” from.
A shift should occur if they want to engage with the wider public. I think it would benefit [to nominate horror movies].”
One reason for the bias against horror may be the perception that it is a lowbrow commercial genre. However, this is far from the truth. Horror films often tackle complex and thought-provoking themes and have been evolving over the years, with different sub-genres developing and gaining popularity.
And she’s right. The Academy’s bias against horror is not just a matter of taste; it’s a political issue. By overlooking horror films, the Oscars perpetuate a narrow, elitist view of what “good” cinema is and send a message that horror is not worthy of recognition or respect. This is not only disrespectful to horror fans but to the wider film community as well.
The Academy’s continued dismissal of the horror genre
The Academy continues to turn a blind eye to horror, choosing instead to fete the same safe, prestige dramas year after year. It’s a tired and lazy approach that not only fails to recognize the diversity and richness of cinema but also fails to engage with a wider audience. Furthermore, the horror genre has been consistently evolving, from the silent era to the present day, with different sub-genres developing and gaining popularity, including psychological horror, body horror, supernatural horror, and many more.
Horror films have always reflected society and the cultural zeitgeist of the time they were made. Classic horror films like the 1931 version of Frankenstein and the 1958 version of Dracula reflected their respective eras’ societal fears and anxieties. Similarly, the 1973 film The Exorcist dealt with the cultural shift in the 60s and early 70s, when people started questioning traditional values and belief systems.
Moreover, the horror genre has given a platform to many independent filmmakers and creators who have used it to tell their unique stories and perspectives. But the Academy has consistently failed to recognize these films’ importance and impact on the industry and the audiences. It’s time for the Oscars to break free from their political and elitist bias and celebrate the best of horror cinema.
The 95th Academy Awards will air on 12 March 2023.
Source: Jake Hamilton | Twitter
