Frank Oz, Robert Kirkman, James Remar and
TV’s Ever-Popular The Simpsons to be Honored July 26 at 38th Annual Saturn Awards

The Only Awards for the Best in Genre Entertainment
Will Present Special Achievement Awards to Industry Greats

LOS ANGELES – June 6, 2012 – The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films will bestow its top honorary achievement awards on renowned director Frank Oz, Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman and actor James Remar on July 26, when the Academy presents the 38th annual Saturn Awards.

Oz, Remar, Kirkman and producers of The Simpsons are expected to attend this year’s Saturn Awards ceremony at the Castaway Event Center in Burbank, Calif. 

“Genre filmmaking continues to dominate movies, TV and entertainment, and for four decades the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror film has been the only organization to honor the talented artists whose vision of wonder know no bounds,” said Academy President Robert Holguin.  “They stimulate our imaginations and showcase the best in contemporary filmmaking and television, and we’re proud to honor these remarkable people – and to announce the winners of this year’s Saturn Awards – at this year’s awards show.” 

The enormous talents of FRANK OZ have left an indelible mark on science-fiction and fantasy films – and for his extraordinary contributions, Oz will receive the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Film’s LIFE CAREER AWARD. As an actor and performer, he has brought to life such iconic characters as Yoda in the Star Wars Saga and Miss Piggy from The Muppets.  As a filmmaker, the legendary Jim Henson asked him to co-direct the watershed 1982 epic The Dark Crystal; Oz also directed the 1987 screen version of Little Shop of Horrors; such edgy comedy classics as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Death at a Funeral; and the big-screen adaptation of The Indian in the Cupboard.

Veteran actor JAMES REMAR is well-known to current audiences Showtime hit Dexter as Harry Morgan, father and mentor of the title character, and in the past three decades has appeared in more than 130 films and television shows.  His wide range of talents have been seen on TV in projects as varied as Sex and the City, Jericho and Battlestar Galactica, while his film work has left an equally strong impression on audiences – from roles in 48 Hours and The Cotton Club to Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming Django Unchained.  Remar will receive a LIFE CAREER AWARD from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.

ROBERT KIRKMAN, recipient of this year’s INNOVATOR AWARD, is executive producer, creator and writer for AMC’s blockbuster horror series The Walking Dead, and his transition from comic books to television has been one of the most extraordinary in the entertainment industry.  Teaming with filmmaker Frank Darabont, Kirkman created a series that has been embraced both by genre enthusiasts and mainstream television audiences, who are captivated by its mix of genuine horror, unrelenting suspense and captivating drama.

This year’s MILESTONE AWARD goes to the TV series that has skewered popular culture and societal issues like no other – THE SIMPSONS, the longest-running sitcom on American TV, the longest-running animated program in TV history, and the longest-running primetime scripted television series.  Its 507 episodes, produced by Gracie Films, have featured some of the biggest, most talented names in the entertainment industry, and continues to break new ground in animation and in television.

Due to prior commitments, filmmaker Martin Scorsese, whose Hugo is among this year’s leading Saturn Awards nominees, is unable to participate in this year’s awards show.  As previously announced, the Academy’s VISIONARY AWARD will be presented to him at a later date.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films was founded in 1972 by noted film historian Dr. Donald A. Reed to honor and recognize films often overlooked by mainstream awards.  Over the years, the Academy has expanded its reach to include recognizing excellence in television and home entertainment, as well as other genres, including adventure, thriller and action.

The organization’s qualifying period for the 38th annual Saturn Awards was Feb. 1, 2011, to Jan. 31, 2012.  This year’s Saturn Awards will be presented on Thursday, July 26.  For a complete list of nominations and more information about the Academy, visit www.saturnawards.org.