The Overlook Film Festival Announces Winners of Its Largest Edition Yet, Celebrating a Record-Breaking Year of Horror Cinema

New Orleans, LA – April 16, 2026 – The Overlook Film Festival, a premier celebration of all things horror, has officially concluded its 2026 edition, marking its largest and most attended festival to date. Following four days of immersive experiences, captivating screenings, and memorable guest appearances in the historic and atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans, the festival has unveiled the recipients of its coveted audience and juried awards. This year’s event, held from April 9-12, drew a record-breaking approximately 8,083 attendees, with 25 sold-out screenings and events, further cementing its status as a vital hub for the horror genre.

A Record-Breaking Festival Culminates in Award Celebrations

The 2026 Overlook Film Festival, held in America’s most haunted city, proved to be a landmark event, attracting 96 filmmaker guests and showcasing a diverse slate of terrifying and thought-provoking cinematic works. As the echoes of screams and applause fade, the festival is proud to announce the films and performances that resonated most deeply with both its discerning jury and its enthusiastic audience. The festival’s success this year underscores a growing global appetite for innovative and compelling horror storytelling, as evidenced by the record attendance.

Audience Accolades: Fan Favorites Emerge

The Audience Award for Best Feature Film was bestowed upon Focus Features’ Obsession, directed by Curry Barker. This chilling tale of wish-fulfillment gone awry captivated festival-goers, earning it the top honor as voted by attendees. The film, starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, delves into the dark side of desires, offering a "bone-chilling relationship horror" that clearly struck a chord with the Overlook audience.

"They say ‘be careful what you wish for,’ but Obsession winning the Audience Award is beyond anything we could have wished for," stated director Curry Barker. "We are truly grateful to everyone at the Overlook Film Festival for embracing our movie and are thrilled that audiences had as much fun watching the film as we had making it." The film’s win highlights the festival’s commitment to presenting engaging narratives that not only scare but also provoke thought and discussion.

In the shorts categories, the Audience Award for Best Short Film went to Hannah Alline’s Scissors. This film, celebrated for its inventive take on the slasher genre, features a group of queer friends who turn the tables on a killer during a weekend getaway. The win signifies the festival’s dedication to championing diverse voices and perspectives within horror.

"Holy shit!" exclaimed Scissors director Hannah Alline and writer Hannah Aslesen. "We’re honestly a little overwhelmed (in the best way) by this, because this isn’t just any award, this is THE AWARD in our eyes. Overlook isn’t just any festival, it’s the place where true horror fans show up ready for the weird, the wild and the unexpected. These are our people. We made this out of a deep love for horror, a deep love for comedy and a strong belief that the two belong together, crashing into each other like a pair of rusty shears. Getting to share it with a room full of fellow horror sickos was already a dream, this just takes it to a whole other level. Thank you for laughing with us, cringing with us and celebrating our little queer darling."

The newly introduced Side Shows section, designed to showcase genre films that push boundaries and explore adjacent territories to horror, saw Kenji Tanigaki’s The Furious take home the Audience Award. This action-packed thriller, a collaboration involving Hong Kong SAR China, follows a desperate father’s fight against an international criminal network to save his daughter, demonstrating the festival’s expanding definition of genre cinema.

Juried Prizes: Critical Acclaim and Unsettling Visions

The esteemed jury for the 2026 Overlook Film Festival’s feature film competition, comprised of filmmaker Vera Drew, film programmer Jongsuk Thomas Nam, and journalist Jen Yamato, recognized Never After Dark with the Grand Jury Prize for Feature Film. Directed by Dave Boyle, the film was lauded for its masterful atmospheric control, compelling performances, and unsettling narrative.

The jury’s citation praised Never After Dark, a tautly constructed ghost story, for its "fantastic performances, an eerie command of atmosphere and unexpected twists," noting it "burns slow before exploding into a uniquely chilling nightmare." They further declared it "the best J-horror film of the last decade – and it’s made by an American," a testament to Boyle’s distinctive vision.

Dave Boyle expressed his gratitude, stating, "Getting to experience the wonderful programming and enthusiastic audiences at Overlook was like a dream come true. To receive this award, from a festival that truly represents what horror is all about, is such an honor and our whole team is thrilled beyond words. My weekend at Overlook is one I’ll always remember – thanks to the entire programming staff, the volunteers and to the jury for making this happen!"

The Scariest Feature Film Award was presented to Taratoa Stappard’s Mārama. The jury lauded the film for its powerful exploration of colonialism through the eyes of Indigenous women, describing its "cruelty and violence of colonialism, its brutality seen through the eyes of Indigenous women, bring terrifying power and haunting imagery to Taratoa Stappard’s chilling Māori Gothic tale of reclamation, repatriation and retribution."

"Ngā mihi nui," shared Taratoa Stappard. "It’s a massive honour for Mārama to receive the Scariest Feature Film Award. I love this festival’s inclusive vibe! It was my first time in fabulous NOLA and I was able to meet and talk with passionate audience members, filmmakers and critics. I’m already manifesting my return…"

A Special Jury Mention for Performance was awarded to Midori Francis for her compelling work in Natalie Erika James’s Saccharine. The jury highlighted Francis’s ability to imbue the film’s lead with a "grounded mania and warmth" amidst the challenging nature of body horror and supernatural thriller elements.

In the shorts competition, the Grand Jury Prize for Short Film was awarded to Lee Lawson’s Man Eating Pussy. The jury was impressed by the film’s "uniqueness and audacity of its vision, as well as the skill of its execution," describing it as a "heady, sensual sci-fi/horror hybrid."

"Thank you so much to the jury and the Overlook team for embracing my strange, tender, goopy baby," said Lee Lawson. "Man Eating Pussy was born out of a need to reclaim space within horror as a female filmmaker, and so knowing that it resonated at such a Mecca of genre cinema is beyond meaningful. This film was made with an extraordinary community of collaborators and I share this with all of them. THANK YOU!"

The Scariest Short Film Award went to Alex Jacobs’s Ghoststory. Jurors noted the film’s unsettling and destabilizing qualities, achieved through experimental techniques and analog aesthetics that "evoke a haunting beyond."

"Thank you so much!" exclaimed Alex Jacobs. "I am honored and quite stunned. Thanks to programmer Katie Rife and the shorts jury and everyone at Overlook, a great festival full of all kinds of amazing scares – thank you for letting our Ghoststory be part of it. I’m thrilled to hear that it got under your skin and followed you home."

The shorts jury also presented a unique Honorable Mention for Best Kitty to Katy Wicker for her performance in Kyle Spleiss’s House Cat. The jury recognized Wicker "for her intense commitment to an emotionally and physically challenging performance."

A special Doomscroll Award for Most Harrowing Digital Nightmare was bestowed upon Carter Amelia Davis’s Homemade Gatorade. The jury acknowledged the short’s darkly humorous yet profound depiction of the "dissociative terror of online life."

"I animated this film alone in my room with audio and visual contributions from some of my dearest friends, and I couldn’t have imagined the journey it’s gone on since – it’s beautiful to know that it’s unnerved people around the world," said Carter Amelia Davis. "I think everyone’s aware that there’s something really wrong with the internet in its current state. I hope that can change in the future. Idk! We’ll see, I guess."

The shorts jury comprised journalist and playwright Sharai Bohannon, author and film critic Payton McCarty-Simas, and filmmaker Jenn Wexler.

Festival Highlights and Honored Guests

Beyond the awards, the 2026 Overlook Film Festival was marked by several standout moments and prestigious honors. Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker was presented with the festival’s Master of Horror Award. Baker was also on hand to introduce a special 45th-anniversary screening of An American Werewolf in London, the film that earned him the inaugural Academy Award for Best Makeup. Previous recipients of this esteemed award include Roger Corman, Ernest Dickerson, Mick Garris, Stuart Gordon, Mike Flanagan, and Joe Dante, underscoring Baker’s significant contributions to the genre.

"What a great experience going to the Overlook Film Festival was!" said Rick Baker. "Across the volunteers, the organizers and guests – everyone was helpful, friendly and, most of all, passionate about the films. I am honored to have received the Master of Horror Award – it’s by far the most lethal award I’ve ever received."

The festival also welcomed the Bacon family – Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, and Travis Bacon – to present their new horror-comedy, Family Movie. Kevin Bacon directed and acted in the film, with Kyra Sedgwick also acting and Travis Bacon contributing to the music. Their presence added a significant star-power draw to the event.

"We had a blast at the Overlook!" shared Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. "Horror fans are the most weird and wonderful and we felt lucky to be there to share Family Movie!"

The introduction of the Side Shows section this year proved to be a popular addition, offering a curated selection of films that, while not strictly horror, share a thematic or aesthetic kinship with the genre. Notable screenings included Ben Wheatley’s Normal, starring Bob Odenkirk, and Jorma Taccone’s action-comedy Over Your Dead Body, featuring Jason Segel and Samara Weaving.

"Don’t overlook the Overlook film festival!" quipped Jorma Taccone. "If anything, you should look UP at it with awe and wonder but, on second thought, you should occasionally look straight ahead or you’ll miss seeing the great films that they project on the screens that are, presumably, right in front of you."

Kicking off the festival was Shudder’s Second Line Parade, this year featuring the iconic Crypt Keeper as Grand Marshal, with voice actor John Kassir in tow. The duo also participated in a panel discussing the legendary show, which is set to stream on Shudder next month.

"Guess who had one HELL of a SCREAM at the Overlook Film Festival this last week!!!" exclaimed the undead ghoul. "Your Old Pal and Grand Marshal, John Kassir, the Crypt Keeper!"

Other significant programming included the Centerpiece screening of Adrian Chiarella’s Leviticus, the Closing Night presentation of Damian McCarthy’s Hokum, and a centennial screening of the groundbreaking Japanese horror film A Page of Madness, accompanied by a live orchestra performing a new score by New Orleans’ own Jeff Pagano. The Boulet Brothers also launched their new tour with The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans Tour, adding another layer of genre celebration.

The festival’s programming team, consisting of Co-Founders Landon Zakheim & Michael Lerman, Programmer Daniel Crooke, Short Film Programmer Katie Rife, and Programming Manager Cameron Asharian, curated a robust and diverse lineup that catered to the multifaceted interests of horror enthusiasts.

A Deeper Look at the Award-Winning Films

Obsession (Audience Award – Feature Film): Director Curry Barker’s debut feature is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the perilous consequences of unchecked desires. Starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, the film centers on a young man’s obsessive crush that takes a terrifying turn when a novelty toy grants his wish, blurring the lines between fantasy and nightmare. The film’s success at the festival signals a strong audience connection to relatable yet sinister themes.

Never After Dark (Grand Jury Prize for Feature Film): Dave Boyle’s spectral offering is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. Set in Japan, the film follows a medium tasked with investigating a haunted country home, only to uncover that the true horrors lie within the living. The jury’s high praise for its J-horror sensibilities, particularly from an American director, highlights the festival’s role in fostering international cinematic exchange.

Mārama (Scariest Feature Film Award): Taratoa Stappard’s Māori Gothic tale is a haunting exploration of historical trauma and retribution. Set against the stark beauty of the New Zealand landscape, the film uses colonial history as a fertile ground for profound terror, resonating with audiences through its potent imagery and thematic depth.

Scissors (Audience Award – Short Film): Hannah Alline’s short film is a vibrant and subversive take on the slasher subgenre. By centering a group of queer friends, the film injects humor and empowerment into a traditionally male-dominated narrative, a choice that clearly resonated with the Overlook’s inclusive audience.

Man Eating Pussy (Grand Jury Prize for Short Film): Lee Lawson’s audacious short is described as a "heady, sensual sci-fi/horror hybrid." Its bold thematic exploration and skillful execution earned it the top jury prize, marking Lawson as a significant emerging voice in short-form horror.

The Overlook Film Festival: A Community for Genre Fans

The Overlook Film Festival continues to distinguish itself as more than just a film festival; it’s an immersive experience designed for the devoted horror fan. Held in historically significant and atmospheric venues across New Orleans, the festival cultivates a unique community atmosphere, fostering connections between filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts. Its commitment to showcasing both cutting-edge new work and beloved classics, alongside interactive events and live performances, solidifies its position as a vital institution in the global horror landscape.

As the 2026 festival draws to a close, anticipation is already building for next year. The Overlook Film Festival remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of genre cinema and providing a platform for the most exciting and terrifying voices in filmmaking.

For more information on the Overlook Film Festival and its award-winning films, please visit overlookfilmfest.com. The festival’s partners for the 2026 edition included Official Sponsors American Immersion Theater, IFC Films, and Shudder, among many others, demonstrating broad industry support for the event. Passes for the 2027 festival are expected to go on sale later this year.