The state of the economy isn't exactly putting the average American into a celebratory mood—but the upcoming Halloween holiday might be an appropriately scary distraction. To get guests into the spirit, Universal Studios hosted its annual Eyegore awards on Friday at the Globe Theater and kicked off the park’s annual Halloween Horror Nights event series.
“The awards are given by Universal Studios Hollywood to actors, writers, directors, and other artists who have made a significant contribution to the evolution of the horror genre,” said Sandra Lady, vice president of Universal Studios and Citywalk special events. This year’s recipients included Julie Benz of Saw V, Bill Moseley of The Devil’s Rejects, director Roger Corman, director of the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Tobe Hooper, and the original Leatherface, Gunnar Hansen.
Media and entertainment industry folk arrived to a horror-character-themed lounge featuring a live band that played Halloween-appropriate songs; a lighting scheme heavy with shades of red; and a stage set with a black backdrop and star-like lights. Screens throughout the venue played movies that featured horror characters from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
After the party following the ceremony, guests were welcome to go out into the park and experience Halloween Horror Nights programming. Though the theme park changes the details that make up its annual Halloween event series, this year’s mazes focused on the horror characters played up at the awards event. Mazes included “A Nightmare on Elm Street, Home Sweet Hell,” “Friday the 13th Camp Blood,” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Back in Business,” along with the “Terror Tram” that incorporated themes from the three horror films.
