Chainsaw Awards 2024: A celebration of horror’s finest
The Chainsaw Awards are back, and this year promises to be a spine-chilling spectacle. Set to premiere on Sunday, October 13, exclusively on Shudder, the event will honor the best in horror film, television, and, for the first time, video games. For those who miss the live broadcast, a full replay will be available on-demand the following day.
A night of horror hosted by David Dastmalchian
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by David Dastmalchian, known for his role in “Late Night With the Devil,” alongside Fangoria Magazine editor Angel Melanson. The lineup of presenters is a who’s who of horror, featuring talents like Fede Álvarez (co-writer and director of “Alien: Romulus”), Skeet Ulrich (“Scream”), Madeleine McGraw (“The Black Phone”), Dewayne Perkins (“The Blackening”), Lauren LaVera (“Terrifier 3”), Akela Cooper (“Malignant”), Peaches Christ (“Midnight Mass”), Dane DiLiegro (“Prey”), Alec Gillis, Tiffany Shepis (“Victor Crowley”), and Lachlan Watson (“Chucky”).
Nominees that redefine horror
The 2024 nominees have been selected from an extended eligibility window to ensure a comprehensive representation of the best horror content from the past year and a half. This year’s contenders include films like Evil Dead Rise, M3GAN, Infinity Pool, The First Omen, and I Saw the TV Glow. On the television front, shows like Yellowjackets and Chucky are vying for top honors.
A brutal competition
Fangoria editor-in-chief Phil Nobile Jr. explained that the extended eligibility period was necessary to accurately reflect the pool of horror content. “We couldn’t just drop a 2023 awards show in October of 2024, so our nominees represent the best of not only all of last year, but the first half of this year,” he said. “This of course meant an unprecedented, absolutely brutal level of competition across 18 months of movies and shows. But it’s the Chainsaw Awards; getting a little bloody is, after all, totally on-brand for us.”
Pushing the boundaries of award shows
Michael Varrati, writer and director of the 2024 Chainsaw Awards, emphasized the event’s unique approach. “Generally speaking, horror fans love things that defy convention. To that end, with each passing year we’ve been looking to push the Chainsaws into a space that exists past the traditional award show structure,” he said. “This is an event that allows us to celebrate the genre that we love, while also crafting a television special that fits firmly inside of it. We wanted to give audiences a show that not only celebrates horror creators…but horror fans.”
Behind the scenes
The executive producers for this year’s event include Tara Ansley and Abhi Goel for Fangoria Studios. Armen Aghaeian, Rebekah McKendry, and Phil Nobile Jr. serve as producers, ensuring that the Chainsaw Awards continue to be a must-watch event for horror enthusiasts.
A personal reflection on horror
As a lifelong fan of horror, the Chainsaw Awards hold a special place in my heart. The genre has always been about more than just scares; it’s a reflection of our deepest fears and societal anxieties. This year’s nominees, from the visceral terror of Evil Dead Rise to the psychological horror of Yellowjackets, showcase the incredible range and depth of modern horror storytelling.
The inclusion of video games in the awards is a particularly exciting development. Games like The First Omen have pushed the boundaries of interactive horror, offering experiences that are as immersive as they are terrifying. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of the genre and its ability to adapt to new mediums.
Looking forward
The Chainsaw Awards are more than just an awards show; they’re a celebration of the horror community. From the creators who bring these terrifying tales to life to the fans who revel in every scare, the event is a testament to the enduring appeal of horror. As we look forward to this year’s ceremony, it’s clear that the genre is in a golden age, with no signs of slowing down.
So, mark your calendars for October 13 and get ready for a night of frights, fun, and fantastic horror. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the Chainsaw Awards promise to be an unforgettable experience.