The Screamfest Horror Film Festival, the largest horror festival in the United States, officially announced its 2026 award winners. The premier event took place from October 6 through October 15 at Hollywood’s famous TCL Chinese Theater. The festival wrapped up with Briarcliff Entertainment’s festive premiere of Christmas at the Kringles. Directed by Kevin Lewis, the closing film featured stars Ron Livingston, Rachel Bilson, and Rob Riggle.
Australian Thriller Kick On Dominates Main Categories
Australia’s high-octane feature Kick On emerged as the festival’s biggest winner, taking home the coveted Best Picture award. Director Nick Kozakis also earned top honors for Best Director and Best Make-Up. The intense film captivated judges with its visceral storytelling and exceptional practical effects.
Standout Acting and Technical Achievements Recognized
Meanwhile, individual artistic achievements shone brightly across multiple international features throughout the ten-day celebration. Javier Botet secured Best Actor for Gummy, while Laura Im won Best Actress for Valley View Motel. Santiago Otoya claimed Best Cinematography for Postmortem, and Matthew Pusti won Best Musical Score for Nervous. Furthermore, Nine captured Best Editing, and Rinrada the Influencer earned Best Special Effects.
Short Films and Emerging Talent Honored
Short filmmakers also received significant recognition for their innovative contributions to genre cinema. J. Zachary Thurman won Best Short for his compelling project, It Helps. Sam Shapson won Best Student Short for Newcomer, while Arthur Bonneau earned Best Animated Short for Avant de Rentrer. Finally, director Sam Ripley secured the Short Film Audience Choice Award for TV Dad.
Screamfest 2026 Winners
Best Picture — KICK ON, Nick Kozakis
Best Director — Nick Kozakis, KICK ON
Best Cinematography — POSTMORTEM, Santiago Otoya
Best Actor — Javier Botet, GUMMY
Best Actress — Laura Im, VALLEY VIEW MOTEL
Best Editing — NINE, Jeanne Signé & Edouard Alvado
Best Special Effects — Artistaya Arriyawongsa, RINRADA THE INFLUENCER
Best Make-Up — KICK ON, Nick Kozakis
Best Musical Score — NERVOUS, Matthew Pusti
Best Short – J. Zachary Thurman – IT HELPS
Best Student Short – NEWCOMER, Sam Shapson
Best Animated Short – Avant de Rentrer, Arthur Bonneau
Short Film Audience Choice Award – TV DAD, Sam Ripley
