The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, has made headlines not just for its compelling narrative but also for achieving a historic milestone by securing a Best Picture nomination. This accolade is particularly remarkable considering the film’s roots in the horror genre—a category that has long been overlooked by the Oscars. The film presents a blend of body horror infused with dark humor, culminating in a strikingly gruesome conclusion that sets it apart from typical cinematic offerings. Demi Moore delivers an outstanding performance that may be regarded as the pinnacle of her career, yet just weeks prior to the announcement, the film’s chances of receiving Academy recognition seemed remote, given the traditional snubbed status of horror films.
In the realm of cinematic honors, horror films, regardless of their popularity, seldom compete for the coveted Best Picture award. Historically, only seven horror films have received nominations, of which 1973’s The Exorcist and 1975’s Jaws fit firmly within the supernatural and monster sub-genres. In contrast, 1990’s The Silence of the Lambs leans more towards psychological thriller territory, just as 2010’s Black Swan maintains an ambiguous approach to its supernatural elements. Similarly, 2017’s Get Out serves dual purposes as a social commentary and a horror film. However, the distinct ending of The Substance emphasizes its unique classification within body horror.
A Groundbreaking Nomination for Body Horror
Prior Horror Nominees: A Shift in Sub-genres
The Substance diverges from its predecessors by being an overt body horror film, unlike other nominated horror films which have blended genres. Fargeat’s narrative delivers strong commentary on the entertainment industry, albeit in a rather blunt fashion. Previous nominees, such as 1999’s The Sixth Sense, emphasize drama over horror, featuring minimal gore. Notably, the thematic focus of The Substance reveals a disturbing symbiosis between Demi Moore’s character, representing an aging star, and her younger counterpart portrayed by Margaret Qualley. This duality portrays the unsettling tension within the Hollywood sphere.
A New Age for Body Horror Recognition
The Challenge of Body Horror in Awards Circles
The nomination of The Substance stands out because historically, the Academy has not given significant recognition to body horror films. Renowned director David Cronenberg, a prominent figure in this sub-genre, has never received a Best Picture nomination, despite his critical acclaim and prestigious awards from major film festivals. His career consists of numerous accolades, yet the industry’s reluctance to honor body horror has left a gap that The Substance now begins to fill. This could encourage filmmakers in this genre to pursue narratives that resonate with audiences and the Academy alike.
Shifting Perceptions: The Future of Horror in Awards Season
Horror’s Persistent Struggles with Recognition
In recent years, the conversation surrounding the Academy’s relationship with horror has grown louder, particularly following Jordan Peele’s triumph with Get Out. Despite notable performances in the horror genre, such as those of Florence Pugh in Midsommar and Toni Colette in Hereditary, critical acknowledgment has been sparse. The The Substance nomination may serve as a turning point, heralding broader acceptance and recognition for the genre at large. The film’s success could encourage the Academy to become more inclusive, particularly as horror films have found acclaim at numerous prestigious film festivals around the globe, further challenging the status quo of cinematic legitimacy.
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