Unheard Screams in Uninvited Realms

Why Movie Awards Shun Horror and Sci-Fi Actors

Cheekbones quivering in fear, eyes wet with the hint of tears, she struggles to quiet her pounding heart. She tenses her jaw muscles, managing to steel her gaze despite her jagged breath dragging her lip. Her gaze is now focused and ambitious even as fear grips her soul. With a final shriek of both terror and determination, she slams the button to open the airlock, sending her horrifying assailant into the vast abyss of outer space.

This riveting scene in Alien was certainly one reason Sigourney Weaver was nominated for a BAFTA’s Most Promising Newcomer award for her portrayal of Ripley. She then earned a Best Actress Oscar nod for her reprise of the iconic role in Aliens. Long considered the highest acclaim for film acting, an Oscar nomination often legitimizes an actor’s career. It’s ostensibly reserved for those who truly achieve a stellar performance.

Yet most would-be nominees won’t find themselves among their fellow stars if their character is among the literal ones. In fact, acting in any film set in outer space is almost a guarantee one won’t be nominated.

The same is usually true for any role or setting that isn’t a heartwarming tale of inspiration, lush period picture, or ultra-dramatized biopic. Those genres are called…