The 52nd Annual Saturn Awards unfolded in a dazzling ceremony last night, honoring the best of science fiction, fantasy, and horror in film and television. Hosted for the third consecutive year by actor and comedian Joel McHale, the event took place at the Hilton Universal City Hotel and was streamed live on The Roku Channel and ElectricNOW, bringing fans closer to their favorite stars and genre-defining productions. Presented by The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror, the Saturn Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the films and television series that shape pop culture in extraordinary ways. Beyond celebrating cinematic and television excellence, this year’s event also carried a deeper significance. With the devastating impact of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, the Saturn Awards dedicated their platform to raising awareness and support for affected communities. Attendees and viewers were encouraged to contribute to relief efforts, acknowledging the heroism of firefighters and emergency responders who risked their lives in the face of adversity.
The evening was packed with unforgettable moments, starting with the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary William Shatner. The beloved Star Trek icon received the honor from his son-in-law, actor Joel Gretsch, marking another milestone in his illustrious career. The Lance Reddick Legacy Award, named in honor of the late, revered actor, was awarded to Laurence Fishburne, an industry titan whose influence spans decades. The ceremony also paid tribute to Hiroyuki Sanada, the celebrated actor from the Disney+ series Shōgun, who was presented with The Robert Forster Artist’s Award by acclaimed writer-director Jonathan Nolan. One of the most nostalgic moments of the night came with the George Pal Memorial Award, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future. Fans were thrilled to see Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and writer-producer Bob Gale reunite on stage to accept the award, presented by comedians Dana Gould and Bobcat Goldthwait. Meanwhile, the upcoming Amazon series Fallout, poised to introduce new generations to post-apocalyptic storytelling, received The Spotlight Award, with Golden Globe winner Ron Perlman handing the honor to its cast and creators.
Superhero fans also had a reason to celebrate, as the creative team behind Superman & Lois, including actor Tyler Hoechlin and showrunners Brent Fletcher and Todd Helbing, received the Dan Curtis Legacy Award, presented by actor George Newbern. As the acclaimed series prepares to conclude after four successful seasons, the honor was a fitting tribute to its impact on the superhero genre. The star power at the event was undeniable, with some of the biggest names in the industry gracing the stage to either receive or present awards. Among them were Colin Farrell, Denis Villeneuve, Nicolas Cage, Mark Hamill, Juliette Lewis, Antony Starr, Peter Weller, and Nancy Allen. Their presence underscored the Saturn Awards' importance as a premier event for genre entertainment, celebrating films and television series that often go unrecognized in more traditional award circuits.
The night’s biggest cinematic winner was Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, which took home Best Science Fiction Film along with awards for Best Film Direction (Denis Villeneuve), Best Supporting Actress (Rebecca Ferguson), and Best Visual/Special Effects (Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salacombe, Gerd Nefzer). The sequel to the epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic novel solidified its place as a defining sci-fi masterpiece. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice won Best Fantasy Film, with Jenna Ortega taking home the Best Younger Performer in a Film award and Danny Elfman earning recognition for Best Film Music. The film’s distinctive aesthetic and legendary production team were also honored with wins for Best Film Costume (Colleen Atwood). Other major winners included Alien: Romulus for Best Horror Film, Deadpool & Wolverine for Best Action/Adventure Film, and Strange Darling for Best Thriller Film. Nicolas Cage’s performance in Dream Scenario earned him the Best Actor in a Film award, while Demi Moore won Best Actress in a Film for her role in The Substance. Hugh Jackman (Deadpool & Wolverine) and Rebecca Ferguson (Dune: Part Two) secured the awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.
In the television categories, Fallout claimed Best Science Fiction Television Series, signaling a promising future for the post-apocalyptic saga. House of the Dragon continued its reign, winning Best Fantasy Television Series, while From was recognized as the Best Horror Television Series. The Marvel universe continued to expand its accolades with Agatha All Along winning Best Superhero Television Series, and Cobra Kai securing Best Action/Thriller Television Series. Colin Farrell’s performance in The Penguin earned him Best Actor in a Television Series, while Rosario Dawson’s role in Star Wars: Ahsoka won her Best Actress in a Television Series. Antony Starr (The Boys) and Cristin Milioti (The Penguin) were recognized in the supporting acting categories, while Mark Hamill won Best Guest Star in a Television Series for his appearance in The Fall of the House of Usher.
The Saturn Awards also celebrated excellence in home entertainment, with Invasion of the Body Snatchers winning Best Classic Home Media Release, and Star Wars: Andor – The Complete First Season taking home Best Television Home Media Release. In a nod to cinematic history, the Best Film Home Media Collection award went to Batman 85th Anniversary Collection, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Dark Knight.
More than just an awards ceremony, the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards stood as a testament to the power of storytelling within the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. By bringing together legendary icons, visionary filmmakers, and rising stars, the event reinforced the significance of these genres in shaping cultural narratives. Additionally, the evening’s dedication to the heroes of the Los Angeles wildfires highlighted the Academy’s commitment to using its platform for greater social impact. As genre entertainment continues to push boundaries and redefine cinematic and television landscapes, the Saturn Awards remain a vital institution in recognizing those who craft the extraordinary. With a star-studded guest list, well-deserved honors, and an unwavering appreciation for the fantastical, the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards was a night to remember.
Special Awards :
Lifetime Achievement Award – William Shatner
Lance Reddick Legacy Award – Laurence Fishburne
George Pal Memorial Award – The 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future
Spotlight Award – Fallout Robert Forster Artist’s Award – Hiroyuki Sanada
Dan Curtis Legacy Award – Superman & Lois
Film
Best Science Fiction Film: Dune: Part Two
Best Fantasy Film: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Best Horror Film: Alien: Romulus
Best Action / Adventure Film: Deadpool & Wolverine
Best Thriller Film: Strange Darling
Best International Film: Godzilla Minus One
Best Animated Film: The Wild Robot
Best Independent Film: Late Night with the Devil
Best Actor in a Film: Nicolas Cage (Dream Scenario) Best Actress in a Film: Demi Moore (The Substance)
Best Supporting Actor in a Film: Hugh Jackman (Deadpool & Wolverine) Best Supporting Actress in a Film: Rebecca Ferguson (Dune: Part Two)
Best Younger Performer in a Film: Jenna Ortega (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) Best Film Direction: Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two)
Best Film Writing (Screenplay): Osgood Perkins (Longlegs)
Best Film Music (Composer): Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)
Best Film Editing: Dean Zimmerman & Shane Reid (Deadpool & Wolverine) Best Film Production Designer: Patrice Vermette (Deadpool & Wolverine)
Best Film Make-Up: The Substance (Pierre-Olivier Persin)
Best Film Costume: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Colleen Atwood)
Best Film Visual / Special Effects: Dune: Part Two (Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salacombe, Gerd Nefzer)
Television
Best Science Fiction Television Series: Fallout Best Fantasy Television Series: House of the Dragon Best Horror Television Series: From Best Superhero Television Series: Agatha All Along Best Action/Thriller Television Series: Cobra Kai Best Adventure Television Series: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Best Animated Series: Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Best Television Presentation: The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live Best Actor in a Television Series: Colin Farrell (The Penguin) Best Actress in a Television Series: Rosario Dawson (Star Wars: Ahsoka) Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series: Antony Starr (The Boys)
Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
Best Younger Performer in a Television Series: Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai)
Best Guest-Star in a Television Series: Mark Hamill (The Fall of the House of Usher)
Home Entertainment
Best Classic Home Media Release: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Kino/Lorber Studio Classics)
Best Television Home Media Release: Star Wars: Andor – The Complete First Season (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
Best Film Home Media Collection: Batman 85th Anniversary Collection (Warner Home Video) Best 4k Home Media Release: Saw X (Lionsgate Home Video)
(Source : press release)