GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of its annual Dorian Film Awards, recognizing achievements in both mainstream and LGBTQ-themed cinema. The 2024 ceremony saw Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance take home five awards, including Film of the Year. The satirical body horror film also earned Demi Moore the Film Performance of the Year award, alongside the Timeless Star career achievement honor.

Moore’s recognition marks a notable transformation in her career, as she shifts from Hollywood icon to a performer embracing bold and unconventional roles. Previous recipients of the Timeless Star award include Jodie Foster, Nathan Lane, John Waters, and Sir Ian McKellen.

Genre Films Make an Impact

Horror and genre cinema were prominently featured among the winners. Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow secured LGBTQ Film of the Year and Best LGBTQ Screenplay. The psychological horror film explores identity and transformation through an allegorical lens, solidifying Schoenbrun’s status as a unique voice in the genre.

In documentary filmmaking, Will & Harper, a road trip chronicle of Will Ferrell’s enduring friendship with trans writer Harper Steele, won both Documentary of the Year and LGBTQ Documentary of the Year. Meanwhile, Challengers, Luca Guadagnino’s tension-filled tennis drama, earned Screenplay of the Year for Justin Kuritzkes and Best Film Score for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Recognition for Wicked and Other Standouts

Stars of the upcoming Wicked adaptation also received recognition. Ariana Grande won Supporting Film Performance of the Year, Jonathan Bailey was named Rising Star, and Cynthia Erivo received the LGBTQIA+ Film Trailblazer award. Past winners of this honor include Janelle Monáe and Pedro Almodóvar.

Additional honorees included The People’s Joker and Problemista as Unsung Film gems, Nickel Boys as Visually Striking Film, and Flow as Animated Film of the Year. Best Non-English Language Film went to I’m Still Here, while Emilia Pérez won Best LGBTQ Non-English Language Film.

GALECA’s Continued Support for Journalists and Critics

Beyond awards, GALECA announced its latest $3,000 Crimson Honors scholarship contest for aspiring entertainment critics in public colleges, with applications due by March 20. The organization also donated $1,000 to The Los Angeles Press Club’s emergency relief fund for journalists affected by recent fires.

As GALECA celebrates its 16th year, its members continue to highlight films that challenge norms and push the boundaries of storytelling.