Atlanta Horror Film Festival Awards

Best Feature Film
Presented to the standout feature-length horror film, recognized for storytelling, craft, and overall impact.

Best Short Film
Awarded to a short horror film that shows originality, tension, and the ability to scare, disturb, or surprise in a compact format.

Best Director – Feature
Recognizes outstanding direction in a feature film, with special attention to pacing, 

mood, and vision.

Best Director – Short
Recognizes outstanding direction in a short film, highlighting creativity, atmosphere, and storytelling within a limited runtime.

Best Ensemble
Recognizes an outstanding cast whose performances and chemistry elevate the film and bring its characters and horror to life.

Best Local Short
Celebrates a Georgia-made short film or filmmaker, honoring the strength of the local horror community.

Best Blood & Gore
Recognizes the film that delivers the festival’s most memorable blood, gore, carnage, and gruesome visuals.

Twisted Vision Award
Given to the film with a dark, unsettling, and wildly original idea that pushes horror into bold new territory.

Nightmare Fuel Award
For the film that gets under your skin and lingers long after the credits roll.

Best Horror Comedy
Presented to a film that masterfully blends horror and humor, delivering scares and laughs in equal measure.

Breakout Filmmaker
Recognizes an emerging filmmaker whose vision, creativity, and execution mark them as a rising force in horror.

Audience Choice - Feature
Chosen by festival audiences, this award highlights the feature film that connected most strongly with viewers.

Audience Choice - Short
Chosen by festival audiences, this award highlights the short film that connected most strongly with viewers.

Jury Award - Feature
Special recognition from the festival jury for a feature film that demonstrates exceptional quality or innovation.

Jury Award - Short
Special recognition from the festival jury for a short film that demonstrates exceptional quality or innovation.