Greek mythology at the 52nd Saturn Awards and Grammys

Published by Hellenic Moon on February 9, 2025February 9, 2025

The 52nd Annual Saturn Awards, a prestigious event honoring the best in science fiction, fantasy, and horror entertainment, took place on February 2, 2025, at the Hilton Universal City in Los Angeles. This annual ceremony, hosted by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films, has long been a significant platform for recognizing genre films and television that often go unacknowledged by mainstream awards like the Oscars and Emmys. With a history dating back over five decades, the Saturn Awards have grown into one of the most respected accolades in genre entertainment.

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A Brief History of the Saturn Awards

The Saturn Awards were established in 1972 by Dr. Donald A. Reed, a passionate advocate for science fiction and horror cinema. At the time, these genres were largely dismissed by traditional film awards, which tended to focus on drama and other “serious” forms of storytelling. Reed’s vision was to create an organization that would recognize the artistic and technical achievements of filmmakers working in these imaginative genres.

What started as a small ceremony has since expanded significantly. Over the years, the Saturn Awards have evolved to include television series, home entertainment releases, and even streaming content. While initially focused on science fiction, fantasy, and horror, the awards have also embraced superhero films, action-adventure projects, and other related genres that push the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects.

The 52nd Annual Saturn Awards: Key Highlights

This year’s event was hosted by comedian and actor Joel McHale, who returned for the third consecutive year, bringing his signature wit and humor to the proceedings. The ceremony was streamed live on ElectricNOW and, for the first time, made available on The Roku Channel, expanding its reach to a broader audience of genre fans worldwide.

The awards recognized achievements in both film and television, with notable winners spanning multiple categories. Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sequel to his 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, dominated the film categories. The movie won five awards, including Best Science Fiction Film and Best Director for Villeneuve, cementing its status as a landmark achievement in modern sci-fi cinema.

On the television front, several shows stood out. Cobra Kai, the beloved martial arts series continuing the Karate Kid legacy, won two awards, reflecting its enduring popularity and strong storytelling. Meanwhile, the new hit series Fallout, based on the popular video game franchise, also took home two Saturn Awards, highlighting its successful transition from interactive media to television. Additionally, The Penguin, a highly anticipated spin-off of The Batman, was recognized for its strong performances and production values.

Greek Mythology influenced/inspired films & series at the 52nd Saturn Awards

If you have been following us for a while you will know that we do a yearly coverage of the Saturn Awards to highlight which nominated movies and series have links to Greek mythology. We have made a list of this year’s nominated movies/series. Most of these links have been explained in past posts, so we will just link to our old article that explains in more detail the Greek mythology links.

Some nominated movies this year that we highlight for special mention:

The next 4 nominated movies at this year’s Saturn Awards are not directly related to Greek mythology, but we included them for a special mention because they are linked to subjects we frequently talk about on this blog.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Poor Things
Wonka
The Fall of the House of Usher

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Poor Things are directed by Greeks who are featured in our yearly book, Greece at the Oscars (available on all Amazon stores).

The other 2 movies we mentioned are important because The Fall of the House of User is inspired by works of Edgar Allan Poe, an author who was inspired by Greek and classical literature. And Wonka is included as a tribute to Roald Dahl, the famous author who was a RAF fighter pilot in the Battle of Athens during WWII.

Special Honors and Lifetime Achievements at the 52nd annual Saturn Awards

Beyond the competitive awards, the Saturn Awards also paid tribute to industry legends with special honors. William Shatner, best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Shatner’s contributions to science fiction have spanned decades, from his pioneering work in television to his continued presence in genre cinema and literature.

Another special recognition went to Laurence Fishburne, who was honored with the Lance Reddick Legacy Award. Named after the late Lance Reddick, a respected actor known for his work in The Wire and John Wick, this award celebrates actors whose careers have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Fishburne, with his extensive resume that includes The Matrix trilogy, Hannibal, and John Wick, was a fitting recipient of this honor.

The Evolution of Genre Recognition

The Saturn Awards have played a crucial role in legitimizing genre films and television as serious artistic achievements. While sci-fi, fantasy, and horror were once considered niche or even disposable forms of entertainment, the industry has shifted dramatically. Today, some of the highest-grossing films and most-watched TV series fall under these genres. Franchises like Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Stranger Things have proven that speculative storytelling is not just commercially viable but also culturally significant.

Moreover, the impact of the Saturn Awards extends beyond just Hollywood. International productions have gained recognition at the ceremony in recent years, reflecting the global nature of genre storytelling. Films from Japan, South Korea, and Europe have all found a place among the nominees and winners, further validating the awards as a truly international celebration of genre filmmaking.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Saturn Awards

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, so too does the Saturn Awards. The rise of streaming platforms has led to a broader and more diverse range of nominees, as content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other services increasingly competes with traditional theatrical releases and network television. This shift has allowed more unique and innovative projects to be recognized, ensuring that genre storytelling continues to thrive.

The 52nd Annual Saturn Awards showcased the best of what science fiction, fantasy, and horror have to offer, from blockbuster films to groundbreaking television series. As the awards move forward, they will undoubtedly continue to champion the creatives who bring these imaginative worlds to life, celebrating the magic of storytelling that has captivated audiences for generations. Visit the official website of the awards for more. You might also enjoy our coverage of last year’s awards.

With another successful ceremony in the books, fans and industry professionals alike eagerly anticipate the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards, where the next wave of groundbreaking genre entertainment will take center stage.

Greek Mythology at the 2025 Grammy Awards

We would also like to take a moment to congratulate 3 Greek mythology-linked video games for being nominated for Best Video Soundtrack at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Go to the link to understand the link to Greek mythology of each game. The games are: