Last Chance to Vote: FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards Head to San Diego Comic-Con with Exclusive Reveals and Horror Icons

The countdown is almost over for horror fans.

With voting for the 2026 FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards closing tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15, at 11:59 p.m. PT, fans have one final opportunity to make their voices heard before this year’s winners are announced. Ballots can be cast now at Fangoria.com/vote, giving horror enthusiasts one last chance to recognize the films, series, performances, and creators that defined the genre over the past year.

But the celebration doesn’t stop when voting ends.

FANGORIA is bringing the screams to Comic-Con International: San Diego with a special panel that promises exclusive announcements, behind-the-scenes stories, surprise guests, and an early look at this year’s highly anticipated awards ceremony.

Step Inside the House of Horrors

On Friday, July 24, FANGORIA will host First in Fright with FANGORIA, an hour-long presentation that takes fans behind the curtain of the legendary Chainsaw Awards while offering an inside look at what’s next for horror’s most recognizable brand.

The panel takes place from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Room 23ABC at the San Diego Convention Center.

Longtime horror fans can expect an evening packed with exclusive reveals, industry insights, and a celebration of the genre’s biggest achievements before the fan-voted awards premiere exclusively on Shudder this October.

Devon Sawa Leads the Guest Lineup

Headlining the panel is fan-favorite actor Devon Sawa, whose career has made him one of horror’s most recognizable faces.

Known for unforgettable performances in Final Destination, Heart Eyes, and Shudder’s upcoming Hell Motel: Murder at Red Mountain, Sawa will join the FANGORIA team for a discussion celebrating horror’s past, present, and future.

The panel will also feature surprise guest appearances that have yet to be announced, adding another layer of anticipation for attendees.

Exclusive Reveals Only Comic-Con Fans Will See

True to FANGORIA tradition, the panel promises more than just conversation.

Attendees will be treated to:

• Major room-only announcements
• Exclusive sneak peeks
• Behind-the-scenes insights into the 2026 Chainsaw Awards
• A live audience Q&A with the creative team and special guests

It’s an opportunity for horror fans to be among the first to hear breaking news before it’s shared with the rest of the world.

Meet the Creative Minds Behind the Chainsaw Awards

Joining Devon Sawa on stage is an impressive lineup of FANGORIA talent, including:

• Sean Abley (Moderator)
• Angel Melanson, FANGORIA Digital Editor
• Michael Varrati, Writer and Director of the FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards
• Kimberly Leszak, Community & Content Manager

Together, they’ll discuss the evolution of the Chainsaw Awards, the current state of horror, and what audiences can expect when this year’s ceremony streams on Shudder on Sunday, October 25.

Nearly Five Decades of Horror History

Since its founding in 1979, FANGORIA has remained one of horror’s most respected and influential publications.

Covering everything from classic monster movies to modern psychological thrillers, the magazine has become an essential voice for horror fans across print, film, television, and digital media.

Its annual Chainsaw Awards continue that legacy by celebrating the genre through fan voting, recognizing the creators and performers who continue to push horror in bold new directions.

Opportunity for Media

Credentialed members of the press attending San Diego Comic-Con are invited to attend the panel.

Journalists interested in preview coverage can also contact FANGORIA ahead of the event to receive embargoed information regarding the panel’s major announcements before they’re revealed live during Comic-Con.

The Horror Celebration Continues

For horror fans, the next few weeks promise plenty of excitement.

First comes the final chance to vote in the 2026 FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards, followed by an exclusive Comic-Con panel filled with announcements, celebrity appearances, and behind-the-scenes stories. Finally, the fan-voted awards will culminate with their exclusive Shudder premiere on Sunday, October 25.

Whether you’re casting your final ballot, attending Comic-Con, or counting down to the Chainsaw Awards broadcast, FANGORIA is once again proving why it remains the definitive voice of horror nearly five decades after it first hit newsstands.