On Feb. 7, award-winning Demi Moore was awarded “Best Actress” at the Critic’s Choice Award Ceremony for her performance in “The Substance,” portraying the insecurities of an aging actress in search of restoring her youthful prime.

In her speech, she stated, “I am so grateful. Not just for my performance, but that you highlighted this film — this genre of horror films that is normally overlooked and not seen for the profundity that they can hold.”

While the Critic’s Choice Awards are not considered part of the four mainstream annual entertainment award ceremonies, as per the “EGOT” season, Moore’s speech is a testimony to the underrepresentation of horror. The horror genre, despite its position as a lead runner at the box office, often lacks the proper recognition it deserves.

This history of snubs is no unfamiliar pattern. The last time a horror movie was awarded the honor of “Best Picture” was the 1991 “Silence of the Lambs” — over three decades ago. Additionally, other 2024-2025 films like “I Saw The TV Glow” were commended for their compelling production this year, but received no recognition by any of the four mainstream award shows this season. What’s the industry more afraid of: the supernaturalism of the film, or the undertones of existentialism and dysphoria the critics avoid to confront?

Horror deserves recognition, but it is long overdue. While this Oscar season finally recognized the production of “The Substance” for its first and only Oscar win of the season, winning “Makeup and Hairstyling” is only one step in the right direction. The academy needs to step out of the dark and embrace the uncomfortable. Media isn’t crafted to make an audience always feel good, but simply feel.