Evan Lee Salim
On May 10, the horror community turned its collective gaze toward the annual announcement of the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards. Administered by David Colton, the Rondo Awards—named in honor of Rondo Hatton, the 1940s character actor whose rugged, imposing features made him an unforgettable icon of B-movie villainy—have spent nearly a quarter-century cementing their status as the industry standard for celebrating horror research, cinematic creativity, and the meticulous preservation of film history.
With over 3,100 fans participating in the voting process this year, the 2026 results represent a diverse cross-section of the genre, reflecting the evolving tastes of modern audiences while maintaining a deep, abiding respect for the foundational history of the macabre.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Significance of the Rondo Awards
The Rondo Awards are more than a trophy; they are a cultural touchstone for the "Monster Kid" generation—a term of endearment for the legions of fans who grew up glued to late-night monster movies. For 24 years, these awards have provided a platform for creators, authors, and preservationists who often operate outside the mainstream Hollywood spotlight.
The iconic bust presented to winners, modeled after Hatton’s appearance in the 1946 film House of Horrors, serves as a reminder of the genre’s roots. While contemporary blockbusters dominate the headlines, the Rondo Awards ensure that the painters, historians, and independent filmmakers who keep the spirit of classic horror alive receive their due recognition.
The 2026 Results: A Competitive Landscape
The 2026 cycle was marked by some of the most contentious and tightest races in the history of the awards. In the premier category, Best Film of 2025, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners narrowly edged out Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated reimagining of Frankenstein. This victory highlights the current appetite for bold, original visions that challenge traditional genre boundaries.
Cinematic and Television Triumphs
The television landscape was similarly crowded, with the Season Five finale of Stranger Things taking top honors. The victory was hard-fought, as it managed to outperform critically acclaimed works such as Star Wars: Andor, the Charles Addams-inspired satire Wednesday, and the genre-bending Pluribus.
In the independent sector, the British film The Reign of Queen Ginnara captured the hearts of voters, while the whimsical short film Screening After Midnight—a poignant, inventive meditation on the lost silent classic London After Midnight—was crowned the Best Short Film of the year.
Excellence in Documentation and Literature
The Best Documentary of 2025 was awarded to Basil Gogos: King of the Monsters. The film serves as a definitive exploration of the late painter whose vibrant, often day-glo depictions of classic figures—from Dracula to the Frankenstein monster—defined the aesthetic of the 1960s monster craze.
In literature, the title of Best Book of 2025 went to Making Monsters, a collaborative effort by renowned effects and makeup experts Howard Berger and Marshall Julius. Their work offers an insider’s perspective on the practical artistry that continues to frighten and delight audiences in modern horror cinema.
Honoring the Individual: Writer and Artist Awards
Beyond film and television, the Rondo Awards place a significant emphasis on individual contributions to the medium. Sam Irvin, a multi-Rondo veteran, secured the Writer of the Year award for his candid memoir, Confessions of a Brian De Palma Protege. His work provides an invaluable bridge between the golden age of thrillers and contemporary cinematic practice.
Visual storytelling also saw its champions recognized. Mark Maddox was once again voted Best Artist, cementing his reputation as a master of the form, while Lee Hartnup claimed his second accolade as the top Fan Artist, highlighting the vibrant community of creators who fuel the genre’s visual evolution.
The Monster Kid Hall of Fame: A Celebration of Stewardship
A highlight of every Rondo cycle is the induction into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame. These inductees are not merely fans; they are the historians, curators, and advocates who preserve the genre’s legacy for future generations.
The 2026 class of inductees includes:
- Daniel Roebuck: An actor, director, and dedicated collector of monster memorabilia whose passion for the genre is widely known.
- Jeff Thompson: A prolific horror film and television historian who has spent years documenting the nuances of the craft.
- Ben Ohmart: The publisher of BearManor Media, whose commitment to publishing niche, high-quality works on film history has been instrumental in keeping the genre’s history in print.
- Lawrence J. Liff: A key figure in the history of 1960s pop culture, known for developing the iconic vampire fangs, rubber bloody wounds, and "evil teeth" that became staple accessories for a generation of monster enthusiasts.
- Lisa and Chris Herzog: A husband-and-wife artist and writer team who have served as the backbone of the annual WonderFest Clubhouse, fostering a sense of community for attendees.
- Terry Pace: Posthumously honored, the late music and horror historian is remembered for his resilience and dedication. His wife, Anita, and their children, Forrest and Alexandra, are recognized for supporting his efforts during his battle with a stroke, ensuring his voice and passion for the genre never faltered.
Implications for the Future of Horror
The success of the 2026 Rondo Awards, culminating in the upcoming ceremony at the WonderFest Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 30, underscores a vital trend: the horror community is more vibrant and interconnected than ever.
By balancing the recognition of big-budget streaming hits with the celebration of independent documentaries and archival research, the Rondo Awards maintain a holistic view of the genre. The competition between established masters like Guillermo del Toro and rising visionaries like Ryan Coogler suggests that horror remains a fertile ground for experimentation.
Furthermore, the emphasis on practical effects experts like Berger and Julius signals a renewed appreciation for the tactile, physical artistry of horror—a movement that persists despite the increasing prevalence of digital effects. As the genre continues to evolve, the Rondo Awards serve as the definitive ledger of what matters most to those who live and breathe horror.
Looking Ahead: The WonderFest Ceremony
As the community prepares for the May 30 ceremony at the WonderFest Convention, the focus shifts from the voting phase to the celebratory phase. This event is not merely an awards show; it is an annual pilgrimage for the "Monster Kid" faithful. It provides a rare opportunity for fans, creators, and historians to engage in direct dialogue, fostering the same sense of wonder that inspired the creation of these awards over two decades ago.
For those interested in the full breadth of the voting, the complete list of winners—spanning categories from Best Blu-ray to Best Podcast and Best Horror Host—offers a comprehensive roadmap for any horror enthusiast looking to catch up on the essential viewing and reading of the past year.
In an era of rapid content turnover, the Rondo Awards remain a steadfast reminder that the monsters of our past continue to inform, influence, and inspire the cinema of our future. As the genre moves into the latter half of the decade, the legacy of Rondo Hatton continues to grow, nurtured by a community that refuses to let the lights go out on the history of terror.
Rifan Muazin
Lina Hope
