Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the first day of fall with the 2011 “Eyegore” Awards Friday night, honoring the horror genre’s top artists. Horror fans, legends, and stars attended the event to celebrate a night devoted to the screams, scares, and spooks that characterize the genre.

Honored artists included “Scream” stars David Arquette and Jamie Kennedy, Rainn Wilson for Rob Zombie’s “House of 1000 Corpses,” Bailee Madison of “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” “Final Destination 5” star Emma Bell,” and rock legend Alice Cooper.  Corey Feldman hosted the event. 

Notable guests included B.J. Novak, Rob Zombie, Eli Roth, Perez Hilton, John Murdy, Bella Thorn, Bridget Marquardt, and “Glee” stars Josh Sussman and Dot Marie Jones.  The awards helped kick off the opening of Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights,” which includes six new mazes.

On the red carpet, Bella Thorn of “Shake It Up” stopped by to spill some details about the upcoming season.  Thorn hinted about a Halloween episode premiering in October, revealing the cast has a special, spooky dance planned.  The Disney star also mentioned China McClain of “A.N.T. Farm” will be singing a scary theme song for the show.  Thorn confessed clowns are her biggest fear, but said she’s looking forward to the scares offered in the park.

Catching up with “Glee” star Josh Sussman, who plays McKinley High gossip reporter Jacob Ben Israel, the actor shared how excited he was to kick off season three with the opening line.  While his character sits out the next few episodes of “Glee,” Sussman encouraged fans to check out “Fish Hooks” in which he plays a Jacob-esque character named Randy Pincherson.  “Instead of stalking Rachel,” he said, “I stalk the fish Bea, played by Chelsea Kane.”

Fellow “Glee” star Dot Marie Jones stopped by to talk more about the new season and future storylines for Coach Beiste.  Jones dished Coach Beiste, Emma, and Artie will co-direct the school musical in a future episode.  The actress said she has yet to sing in the series, but that it might happen soon.  Jones said she slips creator Ryan Murphy ideas “everyday” and would love to take on a song from her favorite group Heart or possibly Pink’s “Fistful of Glitter.”  The actress admitted she would love to perform another “Glee” duet, this time with Jane Lynch’s Sue Sylvester. 

Calico Cooper, daughter of legendary rocker Alice Cooper, said she can’t wait to see the “Welcome To My Nightmare” maze inspired by the iconic concept album of the same name.  She passed down Alice Cooper’s hints about the maze, including the appearance of characters like Nurse Rosetta, who she plays on stage.  Up next for Cooper is the film “Thirty Proof Coil,” hitting Netflix in the following month.  The plot answers the question, “What happens when you kill the bad guy in the first 15 minutes?”

Horror icon Derek Mears, known best for his role as Jason Voorhees, felt at home in Universal Studios as he kicked off his career in the Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show years ago.  Mears said he’s excited most for “The Thing: Assimilation” maze but scared for any spoilers the maze might offer for the film’s upcoming release.  The actor joked the only thing that scares him in real life is commitment, but said he’s ready for a challenge that will really shake him up. 

“Hung” star Thomas Jane shared his excitement for the upcoming season premiering October 2 on HBO.  The actor called season three his favorite season to make, saying it was “a lot funnier, faster, and sexier this year.”  Jane spilled some juicy plot details, noting a young gigolo who will start impeding on his territory, a former student pursuing his character with some “hot for teacher action,” and a career “hoeing” full time after being fired from his teaching position.  Jane does assure fans, however, that “things are looking up” for Ray Drecker.

Inside the “Eyegore” awards, the atmosphere played up the dark and spooky theme.  The Hollywood Globe Theatre provided a more intimate setting for the ceremony, complete with a cornfield backdrop for the stage area.  Host Corey Feldman dressed for the occasion in horror laden cloaks and guided the awards with his zany and offbeat commentary.

Highlights from the awards ceremony included Rainn Wilson’s acceptance speech for his role as Bill Hudley in the cult favorite “House of 1000 Corpses.”  Wilson thanked director Rob Zombie for his demanding nature, warning that, “If he doesn’t get the performance that he expects from you, he will murder your entire family.”  Wilson concluded his speech with his best scream and a shared enthusiasm when fans run up to him screaming “Fish Boy!”

Jamie Kennedy accepted his “Eyegore” award for his work in the “Scream” films and used the platform to praise host Corey Feldman for his role in “Lost Boys.”  Kennedy admired the time when “vampires were scary” and not from the Edward Cullen breed popular today.  The actor dismissed the cries of girls everywhere pleading, “Why can’t you be like Edward?” He continued, “Really?  Such a man.  OK, let’s review:  He looks like an androgynous supermodel, he can fly, and he sparkles when you put him in the sunlight.  Any guy with those traits isn’t looking for you ladies.  He’s looking for your brother.”  He wrapped up by thanking Wes Craven for believing in him and all the horror fans for their support.

The night ended with the screening of short film, “Monster in my Swimming Pool,” which beat out hundreds of entries in the 2011 “Hollywood Horror Nights” Short Film Competition.  “Variety” senior writer Marc Grasen, horror icon Eli Roth, and “Hollywood Horror Nights’” Creative Director John Murdy judged the films and narrowed down the Top 10.  Fans voted online and selected the winner.  Short film director Brent Bokovoy joined star Lia Marie Johnson on stage to accept the honor.  

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