The opening of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights on Friday was a red carpet celebration. Every year, Universal Studios starts off their Halloween season with a bang, and this year was no exception as horror stars and admirers alike flocked to the event. The premiere also played host to the Annual Eyegore Awards, which recognizes outstanding work in horror films.
This year, the honorees included Oscar-nominated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who is executive producer of the upcoming thriller “Mama.” The film focuses on two girls who disappear into the forest the day their parents were killed, and the possible supernatural presence that kept them alive for five years until found by their aunt and uncle. The highly anticipated film will hit theaters Jan. 18.
Chad Michael Murray was also honored for his portrayal of Nick Jones in “House of Wax,” as well as his upcoming film, “The Haunting of Georgia” set to release some time in 2013.
The award for cult favorite TV show went to NBC’s “Grimm”; stars Silas Wier Mitchell and Bitsie Tulloch accepted the award on “Grimm’s” behalf.
It was a family event, as the mother-daughter pair of Angelica Maria and Angelia Vale were honored for their roles in the thriller series “Mujeres Asesinas 2.”
The Eyegore Awards were also graced by last year’s Eyegore Award recipient, Alice Cooper, who stayed in character as he walked across the red carpet.
Other stars present at the event included, Wilmer Valderrama, Bella Thorne, Sid Haig, Michael Berryman, Stephen Kramer, Bridget Marquardt, Bill Moseley, Diego Boneta and many more.
Just outside the theater where the Eyegore Awards took place, zombies, vampires and other creatures popped out every so often to give guests their money’s worth. In between the mazes and haunted rides, a chainsaw or piercing scream could be heard among the crowd. These designated “Scare Zones” also include guests from Silent Hill, Toyz, Witches and Killer Klownz.
Keep in mind, Halloween Horror Nights is not suggested for children under the age of 13.
The park’s usually family fun and educational tram ride was transformed into the Terror Tram: Invaded by: “The Walking Dead.” Based on the AMC TV series, tram riders are dropped off in the middle of the famous Universal Studios’ backlot and have to find their way back to safe ground. But be prepared, guests come face-to-face with plagued zombies as they embark on this journey.
Another highly anticipated attraction included the “Welcome to Silent Hill” maze. Based off the popular horror video game, this maze will scare guests with creatures born from an alternate dimension as they journey through the community, now completely devastated by the aftermath of an industrial fire.
Halloween Horror Nights continues for 19 selected nights, ending on Halloween night. Be sure to check out their website UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/hhn to find out more information on available nights and ticket prices.
