‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Super 8’ were the big film winners at the Saturn Awards which were held at the Castaway Event Center in Burbank, California. Considered as the genre’s version of the Oscars, the award is presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films to honor films, television shows and home video releases in the fields of science fiction, fantasy and horror. Recently the academy has also recognized standard dramatic genres.

Super 8’ and ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ both went home with 3 awards with the latter taking home honors for Best Science Fiction Film, Best Supporting Actor for Andy Serkis and Best Special Effects. ‘Super 8’ won for Best Director for J.J. Abrams, Best Music for Michael Giacchino and Best Performance By a Younger Actor for Joel Courtney’s portrayal of Joe Lamb.

On the television front, although being snubbed for an Emmy, ‘Fringe’ was shown some love from the Academy by winning two awards this year for Best Actress on Television Award for Anna Torv and Best Network Television Series beating out ‘Grimm,Once Upon a Time‘Supernatural,‘Terra Nova,’ and ‘A Gifted Man.’ ‘The Walking Dead’ won for Best Television Presentation over other fan favorites ‘Falling Skies,’ ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Torchwood: Miracle Day,’ and ‘Trek Nation.’ In a surprise win, ‘Breaking Bad’ beat out ‘American Horror Story‘ and ‘True Blood‘ among others for Best Cable Television Series.

Special Awards were also given out that night to Frank Oz, Drew Goddard, Robert Kirkman, James Remar and the television show ‘The Simpsons.’

“In one of the most rewarding years ever for genre entertainment, these films and TV shows proved that imagination, creativity and technology are blending in extraordinary ways, allowing these previously specialized genres to become the very heart of the entertainment industry,” said Academy President Robert Holguin.

Although the Saturn Awards aren’t televised, it was great to see the genre’s icons all in one place getting the recognition they deserve! Check out the photos from the event as well as the list of winners below.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:

The Life Career Award: Frank Oz

Frank Oz was honored for his contributions to the world of genre filmmaking. Frank has directed such iconic films as ‘The Little Shop of Horrors,’ ‘The Dark Crystal,’ ‘The Indian in the Cupboard’ and ‘The Muppets Take Manhattan.’ He is well known for his voice work which includes Yoda in George Lucas’ ‘Star Wars’ saga and various memorable characters for Jim Hensen including Kermit the Frog, Swedish Chef and Rowlf.

The Life Career Award: James Remar

James Remar received this award for his seasoned work on many successful films and television programming. His quality work can be found in such films as ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon,’ ‘X-Men: First Class,’ ‘Blade Trinity,’ and ‘What Lies Beneath.’ His television work includes ‘The X-Files’ ‘Jericho,’ ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ ‘Flash Forward’ and voice work on ‘Ben10: Alien Force,’ ‘Young Justice,’ and ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold.’ He is currently working on Quentin Tarantinos’ newest film, ‘Django Unchained,’ which will be released later this year.

The Filmmakers Showcase Award: Drew Goddard

This recognition is for his directorial debut, ‘The Cabin in the Woods,’ which he also co-wrote. The film was released by Lionsgate earlier this year. Past recipients of this award include Matt Reeves, Shane Black, Bill Paxton, and Eli Roth.

The Innovator Award: Robert Kirkman

Kirkman received this award for his successful transition from comic book creator and writer to television creator and writer for his work ‘The Walking Dead,’ one of the most anticipated series on television.

The Milestone Award: The Simpsons

The Simpsons have been on the Fox network for 23 years and has produced 507 episodes.

FILM AWARDS:

Best Science Fiction Film: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Best Fantasy Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Best Horror/Thriller Film: ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’

Best Action/Adventure Film: ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’

Best Director: J.J. Abrams (‘Super 8’)

Best Actor: Michael Shannon (‘Take Shelter’)

Best Actress: Kirsten Dunst (‘Melancholia’)

Best Supporting Actor: Andy Serkis (‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’)

Best Supporting Actress: Emily Blunt (‘The Adjustment Bureau’)

Best Performance by a Younger Actor: Joel Courtney (‘Super 8’)

Best Writing: Jeff Nichols (‘Take Shelter’)

Best Music: Michael Giacchino (‘Super 8’)

Best Editor: Paul Hirsch (‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’)

Best Production Design: Dante Ferretti (‘Hugo’)

Best Costume: Alexandra Byrne (‘Thor’)

Best Make-Up: Dave Elsey, Fran Needham, Conor O’Sullivan  (‘X-Men: First Class’)

Best Special Effects: Dan Lemmon, Joe Letteri, R. Christopher White, Daniel Barrett (‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’)

Best International Film: ‘The Skin I Live In’

Best Animated Film: ‘Puss in Boots ‘

TELEVISION AWARDS:

Best Network Television Series: ‘Fringe’

Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series: ‘Breaking Bad’

Best Television Presentation: ‘The Walking Dead’

Best Youth-Oriented Television Series: ‘Teen Wolf’

Best Actor on Television: Bryan Cranston (‘Breaking Bad’)

Best Actress on Television: Anna Torv (‘Fringe’)

Best Supporting Actor on Television:  Aaron Paul (‘Breaking Bad’)

Best Supporting Actress on Television: Michelle Forbes (‘The Killing’)

Best Guest Star on Television: Tom Skerritt (‘Leverage ‘)

HOME ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS:

Best DVD/BD Release: (tie) ‘Atlas Shrugged, Part One’ and ‘The Perfect Host’

Best DVD/BD Special Edition Release: Giorgio Moroder Presents ‘Metropolis’

Best DVD/BD Collection Release: ‘Stanley Kubrick: The Essential Collection’

Best DVD/BD Television Series Release: ‘Spartacus: Gods of the Arena’

‘Saturn Award Photos:’

 

 

 

 

 
(photos courtesy of Janice Kay and WENN)