The Ugly Stepsister Is a Horror Masterpiece Worthy of Oscar Recognition

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As a long-time horror fan, I’m thrilled to see the Academy finally giving our genre the respect it deserves! For years, really good horror movies have been overlooked, but this year feels different. It’s amazing that they’re recognizing so many acclaimed thrillers for the 2026 Oscars, and I honestly can’t believe Sinners is now the most nominated film ever, with a whopping 16 nominations! I was especially surprised and delighted to see [film title] also make the ballot this year – it’s a fantastic movie and deserves all the recognition.

Fans of this critically acclaimed Norwegian film believe its Oscar nomination is deserved, but feel it was worthy of even greater recognition.

The Ugly Stepsister’s Best Makeup Nomination Is Certainly Justified

Emilie Blichfeldt’s new film offers a fresh take on the classic Cinderella story, but this time, it’s told from the point of view of Elvira, the often-overlooked stepsister (played by Lea Myren). When an invitation to the prince’s ball – and a chance at a better life – arrives, a rivalry sparks between Elvira and her more beautiful sister, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss), who is the story’s Cinderella.

Driven by a desire to become beautiful enough for the throne, the young woman resorts to extreme and horrifying methods to change her appearance. These techniques are shockingly violent, firmly establishing The Ugly Stepsister as one of the most disturbing films in recent years. It shares thematic and intensely physical similarities with 2024’s The Substance.

Like Coralie Fargeat’s intense film, The Ugly Stepsister features shockingly realistic scenes of self-harm done in the name of beauty. This caught the attention of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who nominated the film for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. While surprising given the movie’s low profile, the nomination feels deserved considering how impactful those scenes are.

The film also earned significant recognition from the Academy Awards, winning an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and receiving nominations for Best Actress (Demi Moore’s performance) and Best Picture, among others. If voters were open to acknowledging a horror film with a message about superficiality in major categories, shouldn’t they consider another similar movie?

Is The Ugly Stepsister Was Not Nominated for Best International Feature

Beyond its stunning makeup, created by Thomas Foldberg and Anne Cathrine Sauerberg, The Ugly Stepsister is a remarkably well-made film in nearly every aspect.

The film’s visuals create a fantastical world that still feels real, which surprisingly enhances its dark story. Combined with stunning camerawork, it evokes the nostalgic look and feel of a movie from the 1980s.

Though the story draws inspiration from a classic fairytale, it’s cleverly told. It follows Elvira’s intense desire to be as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside, but her efforts ultimately fail, and she realizes she’s lost touch with what truly makes her beautiful.

Considering everything, why isn’t this fantastic film being considered for the 2026 awards? The reason is straightforward: Sentimental Value is the film nominated in that category this year.

Each country can only submit one film for consideration in the Best International Feature category, and Norway selected Sentimental Value over The Ugly Stepsister. Given the critical acclaim and nine awards – including its top prize – for Joachim Trier’s film about a family in the entertainment industry, this decision seems reasonable. However, it’s disappointing that the lead actor from The Ugly Stepsister wasn’t nominated in any of the acting categories.

Lea Myren Deserved Best Actress Consideration

Amy Madigan is a standout performer, and her captivating portrayal of Gladys in the film Weapons – a character who is both quirky and unsettling – is likely the reason the otherwise critically acclaimed horror film received its only award nomination this year.

The Academy’s decision to celebrate a particular film with what is considered its strongest performance brings up a good point: why wasn’t The Ugly Stepsister also given that same recognition?

Lea Myren’s performance as Elvira is a major reason the film works so well. It’s a challenging role, and she delivers a powerful, nuanced performance, often conveying emotion through her expressions alone. She’s captivating in every scene, subtly changing her portrayal as Elvira develops, and beautifully illustrates the character’s inner and outer journey.

It’s difficult to imagine any of this year’s Best Actress nominees – including Renate Reinsve in Sentimental Value – not making the cut, even to include Myren. And it’s hard to argue that any of them should be removed. It would have been nice, though, if Myren’s performance in The Ugly Stepsister had been considered at all.

It’s truly something to celebrate that a horror film like The Ugly Stepsister—especially one released independently—would receive any attention from the Academy Awards. This recognition will help keep this brilliant, often-missed movie from being forgotten and solidify its place as one of the most innovative, if not the boldest, versions of Cinderella ever made.

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2026-01-27 07:07