The Exorcist Awards and Nominations
Horror Movies are usually left off of the Academy Awards radar
The Exorcist’s impressive list of wins and nominations
I keep hearing that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences never acknowledges horror movies, but didn’t THE EXORCIST get some nominations back in the ‘70s?
Respectfully,
Paul Z.
Dear Paul –
The notion that the Academy never recognizes excellence in horror filmmaking is one of those ideas that will not go away, no matter how much evidence amasses to the contrary. 1973’s THE EXORCIST actually won two Oscars, one for Best Adapted Screenplay (novelist William Peter Blatty wrote the script for the film version of his bestselling book) and one for Best Sound. Oscar nominations included Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role (Ellen Burstyn), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Linda Blair), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Jason Miller), Best Director (William Friedkin), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction/Set Direction and Best Film Editing. Furthermore, THE EXORCIST also won Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay and Best Director. Demonic or no, THE EXORCIST remains in possession of a lot of filmmaking prizes.