The 2024 iHorror Awards have officially wrapped up, marking another year of exceptional achievements in the horror genre. This year’s awards have been especially significant, not only because of the record-breaking participation from over a million horror enthusiasts worldwide but also due to the sheer talent and creativity showcased across all categories. The iHorror Awards stand as a testament to the genre’s popularity and the fans’ passion, offering a platform where the voices of horror aficionados truly matter, culminating in a celebration of the grotesque, the terrifying, and the unnervingly beautiful aspects of horror.

Best Horror Film: Evil Dead Rise

“Evil Dead Rise,” directed by Lee Cronin, emerges as this year’s Best Horror Film, a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal and Cronin’s fresh vision. The movie tells a chilling tale of two estranged sisters, Beth and Ellie, whose reunion takes a nightmarish turn when they face off against demonic forces within a claustrophobic city apartment. Unlike its predecessors’ remote cabin settings, “Evil Dead Rise” unfolds in a run-down building in downtown Los Angeles, introducing a new layer of terror as the characters battle not just for their lives but for the souls of their loved ones. The film is lauded for its relentless horror, inventive carnage, and a profound sense of dread, successfully transferring the franchise’s trademark gore and heart-pounding terror to an urban environment​.

Best Foreign Horror Film: Talk To Me

“Talk To Me,” a 2022 Australian horror hit by Danny and Michael Philippou, delves into the terror that ensues when friends discover a hand relic capable of summoning spirits. Their thrill-seeking turns dangerous as they blur the line between the living and the dead, leading to a haunting blend of personal tragedy and supernatural horror. The film, celebrated for its blend of dark humor and chilling effects, examines themes of grief and loss through a horror lens, marking a significant contribution to Australian cinema and the horror genre at large.

Best Horror Actress: Alyssa Sutherland

Alyssa Sutherland‘s portrayal of Ellie in “Evil Dead Rise” earned her the Best Horror Actress award. Her performance, especially as a possessed figure tormenting her own children, adds a layer of psychological horror to the visceral physical terror, making her character’s transformation one of the film’s most disturbing and compelling aspects.

Best Horror Actor: Kyle Gallner

Kyle Gallner‘s performance in “The Passenger” has garnered a lot of fans’ attention in this year’s iHorror Awards, brilliantly capturing a spectrum of fear, desperation, and an instinctive will to survive. His portrayal deeply embodies the essence of horror, guiding the audience through his character’s harrowing journey. There’s a profound layer of emotion that Kyle brings to his roles, offering a depth that simmers beneath the surface of his on-screen personas. Keep an eye on Kyle Gallner’s career — his trajectory suggests that we’ll be witnessing more remarkable performances from this talented actor.

Best Horror Series: The Last of Us

“The Last of Us” clinches the award for Best Horror Series, a nod to the intricate storytelling, deep emotional connections, and terrifying post-apocalyptic world that have captivated viewers and critics alike.

Best Horror Series Performance: Evan Peters

Evan Peters’ portrayal in “Dahmer” stands out for its depth and darkness, earning him accolades for Best Horror Series Performance. His ability to embody such a complex and chilling character demonstrates the range and potential of horror to explore the darkest corners of human nature.

Best Horror Short Film: Dylan’s New Nightmare

“Dylan’s New Nightmare: A Nightmare on Elm Street Fan Film” claimed the title of Best Horror Short Film at this year’s iHorror Awards, serving as a testament to its gripping narrative and stellar production. This short film is directed by Cecil Laird and produced by Vincente DiSanti of Womp Stomp Films. The film catches up with Dylan Porter, originally played by Miko Hughes, 25 years after the events of “New Nightmare”. Now an adult, Dylan is once again haunted by Freddy Krueger, the demonic entity that terrorized him and his family. With his mother institutionalized and no one to turn to, Dylan faces the nightmarish challenge of Freddy’s return to the real world.

The film has been praised for its direction, cinematography, and particularly for the performances of its cast, including Hughes’s return as Dylan and Dave McRae’s portrayal of Freddy Krueger. The makeup effects, atmospheric score, and overall professional quality of filmmaking distinguish “Dylan’s New Nightmare” within the realm of fan films, illustrating a level of craft that has resonated well with audiences and critics alike. Despite its brief runtime, the film’s engaging story and high-quality production values have left viewers eager for more, highlighting it as a must-watch for fans of the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series and horror aficionados in general​.

Best Horror Content Creator: Dead Meat

“Dead Meat” has been awarded for its engaging horror content, illustrating the vibrant community of creators who share a passion for the genre, offering insights, analyses, and entertaining content that keeps the horror spirit alive year-round.

As we wrap up the 2024 iHorror Awards, it’s clear that horror continues to be a potent and diverse genre, capable of exploring deep fears and societal issues while entertaining and terrifying audiences worldwide. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and here’s to another year of outstanding horror!