William Shatner, “Back to the Future” Cast, and Amazon’s “Fallout” to Receive Top Honors at 52nd Saturn Awards
The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films has announced the first wave of special tribute and honorary award recipients for the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards, which will take place on Sunday, February 2, at the Hilton Universal City Hotel in Los Angeles. The event will be live-streamed for free on ElectricNOW and The Roku Channel, offering fans nationwide a front-row seat to celebrate excellence in genre entertainment.
This year’s honorees include William Shatner, the legendary star of Star Trek; the cast and creators of the beloved 1985 sci-fi classic Back to the Future; and Amazon’s breakout series Fallout, which has captivated audiences with its post-apocalyptic storytelling.
William Shatner will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his iconic career in television and film. Shatner, who is celebrated for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, has long been a fixture at the Saturn Awards. He has previously hosted two ceremonies and won Best Actor for his performance in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This recognition cements his legacy as a trailblazer in science fiction and genre entertainment.
The George Pal Memorial Award, commemorating groundbreaking work in film genres, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Back to the Future.” The award will be presented to members of the original creative team, including Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, writer/producer Bob Gale, and composer Alan Silvestri, who brought the time-traveling adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown to life.
Meanwhile, the Spotlight Award, presented by Ron Perlman, will be given to the cast and creators of Amazon’s “Fallout” for their innovative adaptation of the popular video game franchise. The series has been praised for its retro-futuristic style, dark humor, and ability to bridge the gap between devoted gamers and new sci-fi enthusiasts.
This year’s ceremony goes beyond celebrating genre achievements, with a new focus on supporting Los Angeles’ recovery efforts in the wake of devastating fires. Attendees and viewers at home will be encouraged to contribute to relief initiatives through QR codes displayed throughout the event and on-screen promotions during the live stream. The Academy aims to use the Saturn Awards as a platform to unite the entertainment community and fans in rebuilding efforts.
Academy President Robert Holguin and Saturn producers Bradley and Kevin Marcus emphasized the importance of coming together during challenging times: “The Saturn Awards have always been about more than just winning or losing; it's a celebration of the movies, shows, and people we cherish. In tough times, we often seek refuge in fantastical worlds of imagination. This event is also an opportunity to unite, offering hope and exploring ways we can support one another as we rebuild our beloved Los Angeles.”
Since its founding in 1972 by film historian Dr. Donald A. Reed, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films has been dedicated to celebrating and promoting genre entertainment. Supported by industry heavyweights such as JJ Abrams, Guillermo Del Toro, Kevin Feige, and Gale Anne Hurd, the Saturn Awards have become a cornerstone event for recognizing excellence in science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
With this year’s ceremony promising to honor legends while also serving a greater cause, the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards is poised to be a night to remember for fans and industry professionals alike.
Mark your calendars for February 2 and tune in to ElectricNOW or The Roku Channel to join the celebration.