Hoping the Substance Boosts the Oscars

Reimagining Horror’s Place in Hollywood

Horror has long been Hollywood’s dark shadow, often lurking outside the spotlight of glitzy awards shows. The genre rarely garners the accolades it richly deserves, with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences notoriously neglecting horror in major categories. Yet, it’s important to remember that a film’s worth isn’t determined by the number of awards it bags. However, witnessing creators and projects receive well-earned recognition undeniably provides a special thrill. “The Substance,” a body horror masterpiece by Coralie Fargeat, is shaking the foundations, potentially altering Oscar voters’ perceptions of the genre.

A Breakthrough at the Oscars

This year, the Academy Awards have spotlighted “The Substance” with five nominations, including Demi Moore’s first nod for Best Actress. Nominations also include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling. Meanwhile, "Nosferatu" snagged four nods, and "Alien: Romulus" was tipped for Best Visual Effects. Yet, Margaret Qualley faced an unfortunate snub in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Sue in "The Substance."

“The Substance” has achieved what few horror films have: acknowledgment in headlining Oscar categories. Historically, horror has scored sporadic nominations in major segments, such as Ridley Scott’s “Alien,” which won Best Visual Effects in 1980. However, recognition for performances, writing, and directing within horror remains rare. Though Nosferatu’s technical prowess earned it nods, the absence of recognition for Lily-Rose Depp’s portrayal of Ellen Hutter exemplifies notable oversights that persist.

A Genre’s Moment to Shine

Should "The Substance" triumph in all five of its categories, it would mark the genre’s most thrilling sweep since "The Silence of the Lambs" in 1992. That classic, often debated between horror and psychological thriller, claimed five Oscars, including the illustrious Best Picture. For horror enthusiasts, the potential win for "The Substance" feels like an overdue embrace of horror’s rightful place.

Demi Moore’s achievement would mirror Kathy Bates’ iconic Best Actress victory for “Misery” in 1991. A win this year would mark a momentous accolade for Moore’s standout performance in a horror landscape rife with undervalued talent. Films like “The Exorcist,” “Jaws,” and “Get Out” paved the way but failed to clinch the top prize. Still, this year feels different—the buzz around “The Substance” has ignited hopes among horror aficionados.

A Cultural Commentary Wrapped in Horror

What sets "The Substance" apart is its unflinching exploration of toxic beauty culture, a poignant critique of societal and Hollywood standards. The film delves into harmful beauty ideals, ageism, and unrealistic expectations, symbolized by Elisabeth and Sue’s tragic descent in search of perfection.

The Academy’s reluctance to embrace horror has sidelined numerous films from deserving their due place in cinema history. There exists a genre bias, igniting an unfair perception of horror as merely frivolous entertainment. Yet, horror houses profound narratives, groundbreaking creations, and unforgettable performances. It’s time for the Academy to move beyond its narrow views, recognize the depth in horror, and let "The Substance" spearhead this culturally rich genre’s evolution into a respected art form.

“The Substance” is now available for streaming, inviting audiences to witness a potential historical shift in Hollywood’s regard for horror.