As the horror genre continues to thrive and evolve, 2024 has proven to be another stellar year for filmmakers unafraid to push boundaries and explore the darkest corners of storytelling. From chilling Australian productions to international features that redefine fear, this year’s Golden Scalpel Awards honours the creative minds and talents behind the most unforgettable moments in horror.

Below, we present the nominees for the 2024 Golden Scalpel Awards.

Best Australian Film

This year has been remarkable for Australian horror, with films that showcase a diverse range of styles and themes. The nominees are:

  • The Moogai
    A haunting exploration of Indigenous folklore, The Moogai weaves a terrifying tale of grief and supernatural menace.
  • You’ll Never Find Me
    A tense and claustrophobic thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the final frame.
  • Late Night With the Devil
    A brilliant mix of retro charm and supernatural horror set against the backdrop of a live television broadcast.
  • Sting
    A creature feature that combines dark humour and inventive scares with a uniquely Australian twist.
  • Carnage For Christmas
    A blood-soaked holiday horror that delivers outrageous thrills and gory festive fun.

Best Australian Director

Celebrating the visionaries behind this year’s standout Australian films, the nominees are:

  • Jon Bell (The Moogai)
    Bell crafts a chilling narrative steeped in cultural significance and atmospheric dread.
  • Indiana Bell and Josiah Allen (You’ll Never Find Me)
    This directorial duo masterfully builds tension in an isolated and eerie setting.
  • Colin and Cameron Cairnes (Late Night With the Devil)
    The Cairnes brothers expertly blend dark humour with spine-chilling suspense.
  • Kiah Roache-Turner (Sting)
    Roache-Turner’s energetic direction brings vibrant life to this creature-driven horror.
  • Alice Maio Mackay (Carnage For Christmas)
    Mackay’s bold vision transforms holiday cheer into a macabre spectacle.

Best Australian Actor

This category celebrates the standout performances from Australian male leads:

  • Meyne Wyatt (The Moogai)
    Wyatt delivers a deeply emotional and commanding performance as a father haunted by loss.
  • Brendan Rock (You’ll Never Find Me)
    Rock’s nuanced portrayal anchors the film’s blend of realism and the supernatural.
  • Ryan Corr (Sting)
    Corr’s charisma and range shine in this thrilling and darkly humourous role.

Best Australian Actress

Recognising the women who delivered unforgettable performances, the nominees are:

  • Shari Sebbens (The Moogai)
    Sebbens brings a heartbreaking authenticity to her portrayal of a mother on the edge.
  • Jordan Cowan (You’ll Never Find Me)
    Cowan’s intense performance captures the fear and determination of her character.
  • Laura Gordon (Late Night With the Devil)
    Gordon’s subtle and layered performance elevates the tension throughout the film.
  • Ayla Browne (Sting)
    Browne’s standout role as a young protagonist navigating chaos showcases immense talent.
  • Penelope Mitchell (Sting)
    Mitchell’s captivating presence brings depth and charm to her character.

Best Australian Cinematographer

Australian horror’s visual language shone brightly this year, thanks to these talents:

  • Sean Ryan (The Moogai)
    Ryan’s evocative cinematography immerses viewers in a world of beauty and terror.
  • Maxx Corkindale (You’ll Never Find Me)
    Corkindale captures the claustrophobic tension with masterful use of light and shadow.
  • Matthew Temple (Late Night With the Devil)
    Temple’s retro-inspired visuals perfectly complement the film’s unsettling tone.
  • Brad Shield (Sting)
    Shield’s dynamic camerawork heightens the thrills and kinetic energy of the film.

Best Film

On the global stage, horror has delivered some truly exceptional films in 2024. The nominees are:

  • Longlegs
    A haunting and visually striking tale that lingers long after the credits roll.
  • The Substance
    A deeply unsettling exploration of identity and transformation.
  • Late Night With the Devil
    A standout mix of horror and nostalgia, set in a unique and terrifying setting.
  • Vermines
    A clever and grotesque creature feature that subverts expectations.
  • Cuckoo
    A surreal and disorienting experience that blurs the line between dream and nightmare.

Best Director

Recognising those who shaped the year’s most impactful horror films, the nominees are:

  • Osgood Perkins (Longlegs)
    Perkins brings a haunting and poetic sensibility to his storytelling.
  • Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)
    Fargeat’s bold vision delivers a film that is as provocative as it is terrifying.
  • Sébastien Vaniček (Vermines)
    Vaniček’s inventive direction transforms a bizarre concept into a gripping horror experience.
  • Tillman Singer (Cuckoo)
    Singer’s surreal and meticulous style creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
  • Damian McCarthy (Late Night With the Devil)
    McCarthy expertly balances suspense, humour, and supernatural horror.

Best Actor

Honouring the most chilling and compelling performances by male leads:

  • Nicolas Cage (Longlegs)
    Cage delivers a magnetic and unsettling performance that captivates throughout.
  • David Dastmalchian (Late Night With The Devil)
    Dastmalchian’s haunting portrayal adds emotional weight to this dark tale.
  • Brendan Rock (You’ll Never Find Me)
    Rock’s layered performance adds depth to this chilling narrative.
  • Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One)
    Quinn’s intense and enigmatic turn is both haunting and memorable.
  • James McAvoy (Speak No Evil)
    McAvoy’s commanding presence elevates the tension in this psychological sequel.

Best Actress

This category highlights powerful performances by female leads:

  • Demi Moore (The Substance)
    Moore’s fearless portrayal brings gravitas to this unsettling tale.
  • Maika Monroe (Longlegs)
    Monroe’s haunting performance cements her status as a modern horror icon.
  • Hunter Schafer (Cuckoo)
    Schafer’s enigmatic and chilling turn lingers long after the film ends.
  • Naomi Scott (Smile 2)
    Scott’s emotionally charged performance drives the terror home.
  • Willa Fitzgerald (Strange Darling)
    Fitzgerald’s gripping portrayal captures both vulnerability and strength.

Best Cinematographer

Exceptional visuals have always been integral to horror, and this year’s nominees are:

  • Colm Hogan (Oddity)
    Hogan’s innovative camerawork creates a world that feels both intimate and alien.
  • Paul Faltz (Cuckoo)
    Faltz’s striking visuals perfectly complement the film’s surreal tone.
  • Andres Arochi (Longlegs)
    Arochi’s use of shadow and composition enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere.
  • Maxx Corkindale (You’ll Never Find Me)
    Corkindale’s cinematography heightens the film’s suspense and isolation.
  • Erik K Yue (I Saw The TV Glow)
    Yue’s bold and experimental style delivers a visually unforgettable experience.

Closing Thoughts

The horror films of 2024 have demonstrated that the genre is more vibrant and diverse than ever, delivering stories that are as haunting as they are innovative. Whether it’s through the lens of rising talent in Australian cinema or the international auteurs crafting new nightmares, this year’s nominees have set a high bar for the future.

As we celebrate these achievements, it’s clear that horror continues to be a powerful medium for storytelling, one that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact. Here’s to another year of fear and creativity – and may the best scares win!

  • Saul Muerte