The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films has announced additional special honors for the upcoming 53rd Saturn Awards, set to take place March 8, 2026 at the Universal Hilton in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be hosted by Joel McHale and livestreamed globally on SaturnAwards.TV.
Legendary filmmaker George Lucas will receive the Dr. Donald A. Reed Founder’s Award, recognizing his longstanding impact on genre storytelling and filmmaking technology. Lucas’ career spans influential works including THX 1138, American Graffiti, the Star Wars saga, and the Indiana Jones franchise, along with the creation of Industrial Light & Magic.
The Robert Forster Artist’s Award will be presented to writer, producer, and showrunner Terry Matalas. Matalas is known for his work on 12 Monkeys and Star Trek: Picard, where his final season of the series received recognition from the Saturn Awards. The honor will be presented by Paul Bettany.
Prime Video’s The Boys will receive the Spotlight Award, with creator Eric Kripke and members of the cast and creative team expected to accept the recognition.
These announcements join previously revealed honors for the ceremony, including the Visionary Award for Christopher McQuarrie, a 40th anniversary tribute to Aliens with the George Pal Memorial Award, the Saturn Hall of Fame recognition for Star Trek, and the Lance Reddick Legacy Award for Titus Welliver.
Founded in 1972, the Saturn Awards remain dedicated to honoring achievements in science fiction, fantasy, horror, superhero, and action-adventure storytelling across film and television.
