With The Substance receiving a Best Picture nomination at the upcoming Oscars, it becomes only the seventh horror film in history to be recognized in the category. This milestone, along with the film’s five total nominations, has sparked renewed attention for a genre often overlooked at major awards. Demi Moore’s celebrated performance has played a key role in shifting perceptions, making The Substance one of the season’s most talked-about films.
Directed and written by Coralie Fargeat, the film follows an aging TV fitness instructor who undergoes an experimental medical procedure to create a “perfect” version of herself. The body horror thriller has been a critical and commercial success, joining the ranks of The Exorcist, Jaws, The Silence of the Lambs, The Sixth Sense, Black Swan, and Get Out as one of the few horror films to receive a Best Picture nomination. Of those, only The Silence of the Lambs has ever won.
Horror has traditionally been undervalued at the Oscars, often only receiving recognition in technical categories such as effects and makeup. This year, Nosferatu and Alien: Romulus are among those nominated for their craftsmanship. Horror critic Alan Jones believes The Substance is being taken seriously in large part due to Moore’s return to the spotlight. At 62, she has won multiple awards this season, including her first-ever Golden Globe, and is now a frontrunner for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
The commercial success of horror films continues to prove their widespread appeal. Recent hits such as Alien: Romulus and A Quiet Place: Day One grossed over $350 million and $261 million, respectively. The recognition of The Substance at the Oscars represents a shift, signaling a broader acceptance of horror as a genre capable of delivering both artistic and commercial success.
At the BAFTA Film Awards, The Substance has also earned five nominations, including another nod for Moore. Hugh Grant has been recognized for his performance in the horror-thriller Heretic, further demonstrating how major stars can help elevate the genre’s credibility.
Historically, horror performances have been largely ignored by the Academy, a trend some, like actress Mia Goth, have criticized as being politically motivated. However, The Substance’s success suggests that horror films with strong narratives and powerful performances are finally gaining the recognition they deserve.
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