A horror film contest. Prizes include promotion on the Hollywood Investigator website and award plaques (which are FREE -- we do not charge winners for their plaques). Screenings at fan conventions. Past winning films have screened at the World Horror Convention (New York City, Winnipeg, Salt Lake City), Loscon (Los Angeles), Tuscon (Tucson), and various theaters in Santa Monica, CA.

Tabloid Witch founder Thomas M. Sipos is the author of Horror Film Festivals and Awards (McFarland 2012) and Horror Film Aesthetics (McFarland 2010), available on Amazon.com.

Awards & Prizes

Winners receive promotion and plaques. Award categories include:

* Best Horror Feature Film
* Best Animated Horror Film
* Best Dramatic Horror Short Film
* Best Comedic Horror Short Film
* Best Avant-Garde Horror Film
* Best Horror Documentary
* Best Trash Horror Film
* Best Horror TV/Web Series
* Best Horror Music Video
* Best Dramatic Actress
* Best Dramatic Actor
* Best Comedic Actress
* Best Comedic Actor
* Best Cinematography
* Best Sound Design
* Best Editing
* Best Production Design
* Best Visual Effects
* Best Make-Up Effects
* Best Music Soundtrack
* Honorable Mention

Rules & Terms

Horror films only. Any length. Live action, animation, avant-garde, or music video. Okay if it's been screened elsewhere.

27 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bridget Barbara

    This was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Really appreciated the time, care and support that Thomas M. Sippos showed to our short film "Love Story." And the plaques are so great! So grateful to have been included in the 2024 Tabloid Witch Awards.

    December 2024
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  • Takeshi Kinugasa

    We are deeply honored as a team to have participated in the film festival and to receive the Best Dramatic Actor award.
    It was truly a wonderful festival, and we are sincerely grateful to Mr. Thomas M. Sipos for his kind assistance and thoughtful support throughout.
    We would love to submit our next work to the festival. Wishing the festival continued growth and success.

    December 2024
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  • Christian Delavie

    While not a festival per se, Tabloid Witch Awards is almost exactly like one. It is also one of the best experiences I've had when it comes to having a movie judged. Not only does Thomas M. Sippos review and critique your film, he will also send you a beautiful plaque (totally free of charge) for something as small as an honorable mention. Plus your film will also screen at an event like Tuscon 51. In terms of quality, responsibility and bang for your buck; Tabloid Witch Awards is where it's at. One hundred percent.

    December 2024
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  • Niko El Santo Zavero

    Thank you Tabloid Witch Awards. Very professional. Were all excited.

    December 2023
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  • Semyon Voinov

    A unique festival with exceptional support from the team

    December 2023
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