A consistently maddening phenomenon with horror is the lack of appreciation and recognition that we have to endure. We’re the outcast genre, the one that is looked down upon, even though it’s consistently one of the best return-on-investment genres in Hollywood.
What’s more is that these films have to work exceptionally hard on often minuscule budgets to create something that is effective, memorable, and, perhaps most important, fun! That’s why it can be frustrating to see horror films like The Witch or The Conjuring 2 get passed over by the Academy Awards because we see just how powerfully they told their stories, how they crafted something spellbinding. And let’s not get me started on John Goodman not getting a nod for Best Actor for 10 Cloverfield Lane… Bunch o’ jerks.
So, how about we take solace in the fact that some of the biggest and most recognized names in Hollywood have, at one point or another, dabbled in our beloved genre? One the following pages is a list of a few of these folk that immediately sprang to my mind. After checking the list out, why not leave me a comment with one of YOUR favorite Oscar-winning stars who appeared in a horror film!
Before she became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, Lawrence appeared in this horror/thriller that is perhaps one of the worst genre films I’ve seen. It wouldn’t have been so bad had the film lightened up a bit, but it took itself so damn seriously, which only worked against it. This movie pissed me off so much that I’ve actively blocked about 99% of it from my memory, something I’m rather proud of.
For being second-billed in the trailer credits, you only sneak a peek of Clooney at the very end and sans any lines. However, rest assured that he’s in this movie; and he’s a rather large part, playing Matt Stevens, the roommate of the main character, Chad. It’s pure schlock, and it’s rather amazing to see just how far Clooney has gone from here.
Michael Caine played the supporting role of Hoagie Newcombe (what a name!), a pilot in the Bahamas who aids Ellen Brody in her search for yet another killer great white shark. Caine states that he’s never bothered watching this film, saying, “…by all accounts it is terrible. However, I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific.” You’re not wrong, Sir Caine… you’re not wrong.
Cuba Gooding, Jr., is one of the rare cases of an actor who seemed to have everything going for him only to basically fall off the face of the planet, resurfacing recently to appear in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” and “American Horror Story: Roanoke.” But during his absence from major motion pictures, Gooding appeared in this direct-to-video release, which was… something. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good, but it certainly wasn’t memorable.
This is perhaps the most obvious choice to put on here. But what makes it special is that Hopkins has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor only three times in his career with The Silence of the Lambs being his only victory. Hopkins took the role that was originally played by Brian Cox and transformed it into something astonishing, making “Hannibal the Cannibal” a mainstream character that shows no signs of vanishing into the crowd.
I remember when this film came out and seemed like it was doomed to a poor run at the box office. Suddenly, each weekend saw it do better than the previous one; and the film became a smash success thanks to word of mouth, ultimately generating nearly $210 million globally. This film is a prime example of how important a good story is in creating a foundation of terror.
While most people think of Gregory Peck in films such as To Kill a Mockingbird, I will always cherish him as Robert Thorn, the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom who just so happens to have the Anti-Christ as his son. Peck’s performance is magnificent, and the film has become a classic for the ages, one that also boasts one of the most terrifying scores of cinema history.
Perhaps one of the most well-respected actors on this list, Kevin Spacey’s performance as John Doe is nothing short of chilling. The way he manages to get into the head of Brad Pitt’s Detective Mills so as to ensure the completion of his ritual is heartbreaking and shocking, making it all the more unbelievable that he would play the mild-mannered Lester Burnham in American Beauty. While already a fantastic film, Spacey elevates Seven to a whole new level.
For as truly terrible as this movie is, I have to give credit where credit is due and admit that Matthew McConaughey gave this performance his all, making Vilmer Slaughter an enigmatic, charismatic, and wildly entertaining character. And while I want to scrub the majority of the film from my memory, I will always hold onto “BEYOO“!
Theron is actually one of the few actresses who has consistently returned to the horror genre, appearing in films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Prometheus, Monster, The Road, and more. For that alone I will always appreciate and love her commitment. Plus, there are very few roles where she’s not a total badass, and I respect the hell out of that.