These 6 actors are the only ones who managed to get an Oscar for their role in a horror movie (8 photos)

Horror films rarely receive recognition at prestigious film awards, and even more rarely, actors and actresses are awarded Oscars for their roles in such films. However, there are six exceptions in the history of cinema, when outstanding acting in horror films was recognized by the Academy, because there was nowhere else to go. It was just too cool.





Fredric March - the very first



For his leading role in the film "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931).

Fredric March played two characters at the same time: the respectable Dr. Henry Jekyll and his cruel alter ego, Mr. Hyde. The Academy noted his mastery of transformation - the actor did not just change makeup, but also conveyed the difference between the characters through his voice, facial expressions and movement. His performance became the standard for all subsequent film adaptations of this novel.

Ruth Gordon - the first actress





For her supporting role in the film "Rosemary's Baby" (1968).

Ruth Gordon played the role of Minnie Castevet - a suspicious but charming elderly neighbor of the main character, who turns out to be involved in a diabolical plot. Her performance was both frightening and comical, creating an effective atmosphere of anxiety. Critics and academics particularly noted her naturalness and the delicate balance between benevolent concern and sinister intent.

Kathy Bates — First Leading Actress



For her leading role in Misery (1990).

Her character, Annie Wilkes, is a mad fan of the writer, holding him captive and displaying both genuine concern and deadly cruelty. For this complex and emotionally multi-layered portrayal, the actress was praised for her unpredictability (she is charming and a nightmare at times) and the frightening realism of her character.

Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster — together in one film!





For leading male and female roles in the film "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991).

To be fair, Hopkins' role here is more of a secondary one (he only has 16 minutes of screen time), but his hypnotic voice, piercing gaze, and smooth, predatory movements turned this character into the personification of horror. And when people are afraid, they don't look at their watches.

Jodie Foster plays Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent who enters into a psychological game with Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer. Her character is at once smart, fragile, and incredibly resilient in the face of horror. Critics noted her subtle emotional performance and charisma, which allowed viewers to feel the tension and fear that permeate the film.

Natalie Portman is the only one in the 21st century so far



For her leading role in the film "Black Swan" (2010).

In this psychological thriller, Natalie Portman played the ballerina Nina, who gradually loses touch with reality, striving for the ideal. For the role, she not only brilliantly conveyed the psychological breakdown of the heroine, but also independently performed complex ballet parts. The Academy noted the physical and emotional transformation, as well as the deep multi-layeredness of her performance.

Bonus: Demi Moore



Likely to win Oscar for her leading role in Substance (2024).

As Elizabeth Sparkle, an actress obsessed with youth, Moore received critical acclaim for her bold and layered performance. She masterfully conveyed the fear of aging and the character's transformation, combining drama and horror to make her performance the most powerful of her career.