The Overlook Film Festival announced today the audience and juried award winners from its largest edition yet — the tenth annual celebration of all things horror, held April 9–12 in New Orleans. The record-breaking Overlook Film Festival 2026 welcomed more than 8,000 attendees across 25 sold-out screenings and events.
Focus Features’ Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, took home the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. Dave Boyle’s Never After Dark — a Japan-set ghost story following a medium who discovers the living can be more dangerous than the dead — earned the Grand Jury Prize for Feature Film. Jurors called it “the best J-horror film of the last decade — and it’s made by an American.” Mārama, a Māori Gothic tale from director Taratoa Stappard, received the Scariest Feature Award. A Special Jury Mention for Performance went to Midori Francis for her turn in Saccharine (dir. Natalie Erika James).
Lee Lawson’s Man Eating Pussy won the Grand Jury Prize for Short Film. Alex Jacobs’ Ghoststory claimed the Scariest Short Film Award.
Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker (An American Werewolf in London) received the festival’s prestigious Master of Horror Award, delivering a special 45th anniversary screening. Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, and Travis Bacon debuted their horror-comedy Family Movie. The festival confirmed that Tales from the Crypt is coming to Shudder next month.
“Getting to experience the wonderful programming and enthusiastic audiences at Overlook was like a dream come true,” said Grand Jury Prize winner Dave Boyle. “To receive this award, from a festival that truly represents what horror is all about, is such an honor.”
The 2026 Overlook Film Festival ran April 9–12 in New Orleans. Visit overlookfilmfest.com for more on the award winners.
