Fangoria is showcasing a prestigious, intergenerational celebration of genre cinema, highlighting legends from 'Insidious' to 'Pink Flamingos' to honor the art of fear.
The confirmed pairing of slasher icons Felissa Rose and Tiffany Shepis for the Best Kill category is generating buzz as a deliberate nod to the genre's roots, blending classic scream queens with modern horror voices.
The ceremony airs Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. ET on Shudder. '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' and 'Dust Bunny' lead with nine nominations each, while 'Backrooms' trails with six.
The horror community is locking in for a night of blood, sweat, and tears—mostly because of the sheer amount of iconic talent on one stage.
The horror world is holding its breath, and for good reason. Variety has exclusively dropped the bombshell list of presenters for the 2026 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, and it is a who’s who of genre royalty. We are talking about Lin Shaye, the scream queen who made 'Insidious' a household name, stepping up to present the Best Wide Release Movie award. She is joined by Mink Stole, the enduring muse of John Waters, who will hand over the Best Lead Performance statue. This isn’t just a list of names; it’s a curated exhibit of horror history, designed to remind us why we love the macabre. But let’s talk about the real drama: the host. Devon Sawa, the boy who cheated death in 'Final Destination' and is currently haunting our screens in 'Chucky,' is taking the stage to steer the ship. His presence alongside makeup effects legend Rick Baker and Dee Wallace ('Cujo') suggests a night heavy on practical effects and legacy respect. The inclusion of internet personalities like James A. Janisse of Dead Meat and Biqtch Puddin’ signals Fangoria’s attempt to bridge the gap between old-school cult fans and the modern YouTube horror commentary scene. It’s a strategic move, blending nostalgia with current engagement trends. The nominations themselves tell a story of a fractured but vibrant industry. '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' and the indie darling 'Dust Bunny' are tied for the top spot with nine nominations each, a rare tie that has fans debating the merits of blockbuster zombie cinema versus underground psychological terror. 'Backrooms' follows closely with six nods. The presenter assignments are equally telling. Mick Garris, the architect of 'Masters of Horror,' will present Best Director alongside William Malone. Meanwhile, John Kassir, the iconic voice of the Crypt Keeper, is handling Best Creature FX, a fitting choice for the man who gave voice to our childhood nightmares. Tracie Thoms, known for 'Death Proof,' is set to present Best Supporting Performance. As we countdown to October 25, when the awards air on Shudder at 9 p.m. ET, the focus is shifting to the specific pairings. The 'Best Kill' award will be presented by Felissa Rose ('Sleepaway Camp') and Tiffany Shepis, a combination that screams slasher nostalgia. Kelli Maroney, the 'Night of the Comet' heroine, is teaming up with Spencer Williams for Best Costume Design. This lineup isn’t just about handing out trophies; it’s a declaration of war against the homogenization of horror.
