10 Oscar-Winning Actors Who Starred in a Horror Movie
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!
Jennifer Lawrence – House at the End of the Street
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.
George Clooney – Return of the Killer Tomatoes
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 – Jaws 4: The Revenge
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.
