Cerermony - 51st Annual Saturn Awards Celebrates Genre Excellence with Star-Studded Event

By Mulder, Burbank, Hotel Marriott, 04 february 2024

In a dazzling showcase of glittering stars and exceptional talent, the 51st Annual Saturn Awards unfolded last night at the L.A. Marriott Burbank airport hotel. The prestigious event, hosted for the second consecutive year by actor/comedian Joel McHale, brought together the crème de la crème of Hollywood to celebrate excellence in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, genres often overlooked by other award shows.

The night kicked off with Christopher Nolan, the visionary filmmaker responsible for mind-bending works such as Inception and Interstellar, being bestowed with The Saturn’s Visionary Award. The honor was presented by Emily Blunt, his co-star in the film Oppenheimer, who herself clinched the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the same production.

Seth MacFarlane, the creative genius behind animated hits like Family Guy and American Dad, was awarded the Robert Forster Artist’s Award. The accolade was presented by none other than the legendary William Shatner, adding an extra layer of prestige to an already illustrious evening.

Dave Filoni, recognized for his groundbreaking work in expanding the Star Wars universe, received the George Pal Memorial Award. Ming-Na Wen, last year’s Best TV Actress winner for The Book of Boba Fett, presented Filoni with the esteemed accolade.

In a touching tribute, Keanu Reeves was honored with the first-ever Lance Reddick Legacy Award, aptly presented by Titus Welliver, star of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy. Jodie Foster, a trailblazer in the industry, received The Life Career Award from Issa López, writer and director of the fourth season of True Detective: Night Country.

The evening was not only a celebration of achievements but also a remembrance of the late Lance Reddick, a cherished friend of the Saturn Awards. The event was dedicated to his memory, emphasizing the profound impact he had on the genre entertainment community.

The list of winners showcased a diverse array of talent, with Harrison Ford, Margot Robbie, Nicolas Cage, and Xolo Maridueña among those recognized. Outstanding films like Avatar: The Way of Water, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 took home top honors.

On the television front, Star Trek: Picard emerged victorious as the Best Science Fiction Television Series, while Superman & Lois soared high, claiming the Best Superhero Television Series award. Patrick Stewart and Caitriona Balfe were crowned Best Actor and Best Actress in a Television Series, respectively.

The Saturn Awards also paid homage to exceptional home media releases. Night Gallery, Season 3 secured the Best Television Home Media Release, while John Wick, Chapter 4 - 4K took home the Best 4K Home Media Release.

Below is the full list of this year's winners at the 51st  Annual Saturn Awards:

Special Awards : 
Visionary Award – Christopher Nolan
Robert Forster Artist’s Award - Seth MacFarlane
George Pal Memorial Award – Dave Filoni
The Dan Curtis Legacy Award – The Walking Dead Franchise
Lance Reddick Legacy Award – Keanu Reeves
Life Career Award – Jodie Foster
Lifetime Achievement Award – Star Trek: The Next Generation Cast

Film

Best Science Fiction Film
Avatar: The Way of Water

Best Fantasy Film
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Best Horror Film
Talk to Me

Best Superhero Film
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

Best Action/Adventure Film
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Best Thriller Film
Oppenheimer

Best Animated Film
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best Independent Film
Pearl

Best International Film
Sisu

Best Film Direction
James Cameron (Avatar: The Way of Water)

Best Film Screenwriting
Avatar: The Way of Water (James Cameron and Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver)

Best Actor in a Film
Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny)

Best Actress in a Film
Margot Robbie (Barbie)

Best Supporting Actor in a Film
Nicolas Cage (Renfield)

Best Supporting Actress in a Film
Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer)

Best Performance by a Younger Performer in a Film
Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle)

Best Film Music
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (John Williams)

Best Film Make-up
The Covenant (Donald Mowat)

Best Film Visual Effects
Avatar: The Way of Water (Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, Daniel Barrett)

Best Film Costume Design
Barbie (Jacqueline Durran)

Best Film Production Design
Barbie (Sarah Greenwood)

Best Film Editing
Oppenheimer (Jennifer Lame)

Television

Best Science Fiction Television Series
Star Trek: Picard

Best Superhero Television Series
Superman & Lois

Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Television Series
Outlander

Best Television Presentation
Marvel’s Werewolf by Night

Best Animated Series or Special
Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Best New Genre Television Series
Star Wars: Andor

Best Horror Television Series
The Last of Us

Best Fantasy Television Series
Wednesday

Best Actor in a Television Series
Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Picard)

Best Actress in a Television Series
Caitriona Balfe (Outlander)

Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series
Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: Picard)

Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series
Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Picard)

Best Featured Guest Star in a Television Series
Paul Wesley (Strange Trek: Strange New Worlds)

Best Younger Performer in a Television Series
Jenna Ortega (Wednesday)

Home Media

Best Television Home Media Release
Night Gallery, Season 3 (Kino Lorber)

Best 4K Home Media Release
John Wick, Chapter 4 - 4K (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)

Best Film Home Media Collection:
Superman 1978-1987 4K Collection (Warner Home Video)

Best Classic Film Home Media Release
Invaders from Mars 4K (Ignite)

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror, a non-profit organization founded in 1972, continues to champion genre film and television. Supported by industry luminaries such as JJ Abrams, Dean Devlin, and Guillermo Del Toro, the Academy's commitment to recognizing and promoting outstanding contributions to genre entertainment remains unwavering.

The 51st Annual Saturn Awards unfolded as a testament to the enduring allure and cultural significance of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. As fans who missed the event can attest, the magic of the evening will continue to captivate audiences throughout the month with reruns available on ElectricNOW, Dean Devlin’s premium OTT app and FAST channel. The celebration was not just an awards show; it was a jubilant ode to the boundless imagination that fuels the heart of genre entertainment.

(Source : press release)