ObscuraJournal 1/22/26

Been thinking about writing a State of the Horror address for this year. It's not an annual thing. Last year's address was the first I'd written in three years. Considering how well horror is represented with this year's slate of Oscar nominees, I'm going to wait until after the ceremony to comment on the state of the horror. Sinners is nominated for a stunning, record setting, 16 awards, including best picture and best director, as well as best actor/supporting actress noms. Other films such as Weapons are represented as well. Horror nominations are nothing new to the academy. It is who and what is picked to win that makes a difference, and that can be used as a kind of barometer of how horror is fairing in the industry.

A "kind of barometer". Not a "be all, end all".

Combined with other factors, such as current trends, imprints, indie publishing, etc., I can get a general idea if I was to just celebrate the wins and provide a rally yell, or prepare readers for some big changes.

The horror industry is changing.

So, yeah ... I'm gonna write a State of the Horror address, I just don't know the slant, and won't fully know it until March 16.

peace&love