TheOscarshave a long, unfortunate history of disregarding horror movies, with very few films ever getting at least a nomination. The Academy Awards have become more open tonominating horror moviesin recent years, as seen in 2024 with hit films likeThe Substance,Alien: Romulus, andNosferatu. However, there are two spectacular horror movies released in 2025 that deserve nominations for major Oscars in 2026.
Writer-directorRyan Coogler’sSinnerswas a horror blockbuster phenomenon that continues to be a landmark movie in 2025.Weaponsseems like it will follow suit in terms of success and acclaim this year, asZach Cregger’s film initially received 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
As a result, both of these horror movies are already among the public’s popular picks to be nominated for next year’s Oscars. While the actual voting process to determine Oscar nominations is still months away,SinnersandWeaponsare arguably among the few 2025 movies released so far with a shot to be at the 98th Academy Awards.
There’s already an expectation building that both movies will be featured in various Oscars categories, including2026’s Best Picture lineup. Either or both of them being snubbed by the Academy entirely is still possible. But that is not the outcome the genre and industry need.
The Academy Ignoring Sinners & Weapons Would Be Inexcusable
A 2026 Oscars nomination announcement that doesn’t include eitherSinnersorWeaponswould continue the award show’s tendency to overlook great work in the horror genre and fail to recognize two films that are widely considered to be the best of the year.
Sinnersbecame one of the most adored and hotly discussed horror movies of the year due to its spectacular performances, music, visuals, writing, and Coogler’s direction. On top of being an outstanding cinematic achievement,Sinnerstold a harrowing and relevant tale about racism in America. The Oscars disregarding such a powerful and timely film in 2026 would be a disappointment.
Weaponspresents a sprawling tale of an ordinary American town whose inner demons are brought to light in the wake of a terrible, mind-boggling tragedy.Cregger’s new horror movieuses masterful suspense and extreme terror to tella grief-driven story that addresses many modern issues, particularly as an allegory for school shootings.
There have only been sevenhorror movies nominated for Best Pictureat the Oscars in the last 97 years, withThe Substancelast year being the most recent example
Both movies represent a wild, terrifying horror blockbuster that many people can relate to thanks to their original, character-driven stories and intense social commentaries. At the same time,the cinematic artistry of both films has made them some of the most distinctive, well-crafted horror movies of the year.
With theOscarsstarting to become a bit more horror-friendly, recognizingSinnersandWeaponsat next year’s ceremony would be a great way to continue that trend. Failing to do so would show how out-of-touch or narrow-minded the Academy can be with what types of movies it favors.
