Harryhausen to Receive Sci-Fi Honors

Legendary visual-effects wizard Ray Harryhausen will receive the George Pal Memorial Award at the upcoming 32nd Annual Saturn Awards, presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, the academy announced. Harryhausen, the filmmaker behind such fantasy film classics as Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans, has inspired filmmakers working in fantasy and science fiction around the world, for generations.

Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh, will receive the Rising Star Award from the organization. Superman Returns director Bryan Singer, will present the award to Routh.

The Filmmakers Showcase Award will go to Shane Black, who wrote the 1987 action film Lethal Weapon. Black is being recognized for his work in the 2005 film Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang; that film received five Saturn Award nods.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films is a 34-year-old organization devoted to honoring quality genre entertainment. This year’s awards gala will take place May 2 at the Universal Hilton Hotel in Universal City, Calif.

There is a 25th Anniversary screening of his classic Clash of the Titans, on April 19 at Mann’s Chinese Theaters, which he will also be appearing at for a Q&A.