5 of this year’s horror movie performances that deserve Academy Award attention

As a horror enthusiast who has spent countless nights huddled under blankets, trembling at the sight of even the tamest of jump scares, I can confidently say that 2024 has been an exceptional year for the genre. The Academy’s historic neglect of horror films is well-documented, but this year, with its crop of outstanding performances, could finally see a change in the tide. Here are five performances that deserve recognition:

During the lead-up to award season, some of the year’s top-tier movies that have garnered significant critical acclaim and Oscar potential are debuting in cinemas. Actors are ramping up their efforts to secure recognition from the Academy, indicating that soon we will learn which films, actors, directors, and other contenders are nominated for the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025.

It’s a sad truth that the Academy often ignores the horror genre as a whole. Only a few horror movies have managed to break through and receive awards, like Get Out, The Exorcist, Carrie, and The Silence of the Lambs. But 2024 has been a truly incredible year for the horror genre. If any year in recent memory were going to deliver some surprises at the Oscars, it would be this one. And here are five performances in particular that are deserving of the highest praise.

5. Lupita Nyong’o in A Quiet Place: Day One

I found “A Quiet Place: Day One” to be my preferred film in the series due to its compelling narrative and powerful emotional moments. It’s a movie that relies heavily on its acting, and Lupita Nyong’o delivers an exceptional performance as a woman battling terminal illness, seeking one last peaceful day amidst an impending alien invasion.

In a remarkable collaboration, Lupita Nyong’o, along with her co-star Joseph Quinn and their furry counterpart Frodo, deliver outstanding performances. However, it’s Nyong’o’s acting that stands out as particularly captivating and thrilling. Following her character’s emotional journey throughout the film is more intriguing than the action sequences involving aliens, which occur around her. Truly, she’s an exceptional talent. Unfortunately, despite deserving recognition for her role in Us, she was overlooked by awards. Now is the time to correct that oversight.

4. Nell Tiger Free in The First Omen

Unfortunately, similar to “A Quiet Place: Day One”, “The First Omen” faces a challenge due to its release timing. Both films came out early in the year, potentially causing Academy members to forget specific details when it comes to voting time. However, Nell Tiger Free delivers an outstanding performance in “The First Omen”.

This big-studio horror movie may seem typical at first glance due to its large budget, but it unexpectedly delves into a grim and violent territory. The skillful direction by Arkasha Stevenson and Free’s captivating, occasionally unsettling performance elevate this film beyond the norm for Hollywood prequels, offering an engrossing horror experience that surpasses typical expectations.

3. Naomi Scott in Smile 2

As a die-hard fan, I must admit that among the contenders, “Smile 2” seems to be the dark horse due to its mainstream nature in the horror genre. The Academy typically veers away from such films, and even if they were to consider horror, it’s not their usual cup of tea. Critical reception has been somewhat divided on this one compared to other options on the list.

In my opinion, I found “Smile 2” to be considerably superior to its predecessor, offering a profound commentary on the pain of fame. The performance delivered by Naomi Scott in her role as Skye Riley, a tormented pop star, is simply outstanding. Her portrayal of emotions, particularly during difficult scenes, is so raw and poignant that it’s almost unbearable to witness at times.

2. Hugh Grant in Heretic

Although there were certain issues I had with the screenplay of “Heretic,” the film’s central strength lies in Hugh Grant’s captivating portrayal of Mr. Reed. Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher delivered impressive performances as well, but without Grant’s chilling yet enchanting depiction of the main antagonist, I believe the movie would have fallen flat. In an optimal scenario, his performance would make him a strong contender for this year’s Best Actor award.

1. Demi Moore in The Substance

It’s unlikely that a grisly, surreal body horror movie will be recognized by the Academy Awards, but given that ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ managed to win seven Oscars, including Best Picture, it isn’t entirely unthinkable. While ‘The Substance’ may seem more gruesome and bizarre compared to the 2023 winner, it’s not beyond the pale of possibility. Demi Moore delivers an outstanding performance in this film, making it one of the standout performances of the year.

She masterfully handles both the dramatic and humorous aspects of the movie. Frankly, I think Margaret Qualley deserves a nomination; the film wouldn’t be as effective without her top-notch performances. However, it’s Moore who truly holds the film together with her emotionally raw and authentic portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkles. Moreover, Moore has been in the entertainment industry for many years but hasn’t yet received an Academy Award nomination; it’s high time she got the recognition she deserves.

Read More

• FLOKI PREDICTION. FLOKI cryptocurrency
• ONDO PREDICTION. ONDO cryptocurrency
• USD PEN PREDICTION
• GBP EUR PREDICTION
• LUNC PREDICTION. LUNC cryptocurrency
• NTRN PREDICTION. NTRN cryptocurrency
• CNY RUB PREDICTION
• KDA PREDICTION. KDA cryptocurrency
• MEOW PREDICTION. MEOW cryptocurrency
• JPY KRW PREDICTION

2024-11-17 02:25