2025 Saturn Awards: Hocus Pocus 3, The Black Phone 2, Alien: Romulus and More!
All photos by MacabreDaily
Macabre Daily was honored to attend the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards, celebrating the best in genre cinema, including sci-fi, horror, and fantasy. We hit the red carpet to chat with some of the biggest stars at this prestigious event. All that and more—keep reading below!
Sunday night was a thrilling, star-studded affair as A-list celebrities gathered at the Hilton Universal City Hotel to celebrate the best in genre entertainment at the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards. Joel McHale returned as host for the third time for this year’s ceremony, bringing his signature wit and energy to the event. Before the cameras rolled and nominees took their seats for dinner, we had the chance to chat with a few of them on the red carpet. Everyone we spoke with was in great spirits, excited to be part of an awards show that honors genres long overlooked—though that’s finally changing with films like The Substance and Alien: Romulus earning Oscar nominations.
Most red carpets are packed with reporters and photographers all competing for the perfect quote or photo for their respective outlets. While that was certainly the case here, the atmosphere felt noticeably more relaxed and enjoyable, making it a standout experience. We were surrounded by fellow genre aficionados and reporters who genuinely appreciated and celebrated the films and shows being honored. The Saturn Awards staff deserves high praise for flawlessly organizing and executing such a massive event. As the celebs and honorees started rolling in, we put our best reporter face on and went to work.
Actor and longtime Saturn Awards attendee— and, of course, the original RoboCop— Peter Weller was the first to chat with us on the red carpet. When asked what draws him to sci-fi films and what he appreciates most about the genre, he shared: “Ya know, personally, I’m not a big sci-fi guy, I was always entertained by it but it’s not my jam really. Mine is more the personal story, the human drama. Thrillers I also like. Whodunits and things of that nature but, with that said, the guy who shifted my perspective was director Philip K. Dick when I was in the film “Screamers.” It was a wonderful film to be a part of and that guy was just so fascinating to work with…” Weller continued, He really drilled into that but in sci-fi, and then you have guys like Ridley Scott and his film “Blade Runner” that, in my opinion, had a better director cut than the original, more speed and pacing, ya know? That cut of “Blade Runner” is searing.
Actor Doug Jones - All photos by MacabreDaily
Actor Doug Jones was also in attendance and we had to ask him about the Hocus Pocus 3 rumors and what draws him to choose the characters he portrays, he had this to say: “I gravitate to whoever is paying, I’m a bit of a whore that way (laughs), but what I would say is that I like stories that have a redemptive quality to them. Horror for the sake of blood splattering on a wall, not my favorite thing, but if there is a dark story that has a lesson to learned or the main character will be bettering themselves of redeeming themselves in some way, great, I’m all for that.” We asked him about a particular character that affected us, the “Ice Cream Man” from the film “Legion”. “Oh good gosh, well that was just a cameo but as it was explained to me by our director Scott Stewart, the “ice cream man” was like the first two raindrops in a replication of the flood from the Bible. So before this legion of angels comes down from heaven to possess humans and take over and dispose of the human race, we start to see hints that they are on their way.”
Of course, we had to ask Jones about the possible return of Billy Butcherson in the forthcoming “Hocus Pocus 3,” “I haven’t gotten that magical call yet but I have heard the rumors and it’s a tough one to say exactly. At the end of Hocus Pocus 2, the four immortals, my character, Billy, and the three witches all said our final goodbyes. How you bring someone back from that, I don’t know. Billy Butcherson’s main focus has just been ‘Why did you wake me up?! I just wanna get done with this task and go back to bed.’ (said in Billy’s voice) He was so relieved at the end and exclaimed ‘At Last’ when he finally laid back down. I’d want Billy to come back for a reason that he’s into and would want to help with but in the end, I do want him to find his final resting place once again.” Doug was a pleasure to speak to and was making everyone laugh with his quirky remarks and gestures. He is truly an amazing actor through and through.
Greg Nicotero - All photos by MacabreDaily
As the night progressed we spoke with legendary makeup artist, writer, and director, Greg Nicotero of “The Walking Dead” and “Creepshow” fame. When asked if he was working on anything new for horror fans he said; “I have two films in development right now and about to start producing an unscripted horror series that is unlike anything that has been done before.” Well, we’re certainly looking forward to that. As a man who has always been at the forefront of horror and the genre, with regards to Creepshow, was there anything you’d have liked to see the show go further into? “We had a great run with Creepshow but the challenge is that everyone wants things done for cheaper and faster and it’s a bit tricky. The second season is where I think we really found our stride. The first season was like a bucking bronco. Like I had been working on The Walking Dead for maybe eight years at that time and when you get into Creepshow, it was three in a half days per episode with a new cast, new directors, and stories. I was holding on for dear life. When we got into season two I kinda embraced the whole horror comedy element to it, ya know. We had some great episodes that I love. I think we kept playing to my sensibilities and what I was really into.”
Nicotero’s comment on bringing humor into “Creepshow” had us wondering if that’s a trend he’s seeing in his world. “I call it ‘Trauma Terror’, because I feel like every horror film being made has to have some sort of trauma in their life that will make them susceptible to the monster or the monster is a metaphor for whatever trauma they have. I miss the days when It was just two guys walking across the English countryside, on the moors, and get attacked by a werewolf, or there’s a bunch of oil miners in space and they discover an alien. I mean, look at Jamie Lee Curtis in “The Fog”. She’s just minding her own business and wrong place wrong time. I miss those movies.”
“It’s all trauma-based and I don’t know if it had something to do with Covid or is it that the younger generation making films aren’t genre aficionados and are like ‘I just wanna write a horror movie’ and I miss those days where horror can happen to anyone. It doesn’t need to be someone who lost their parents or something. A lot of the newer movies all feel the same to me.”
That was a fascinating perspective from Nicotero, and it sparked an intriguing question: "Has humor left horror?" Before the awards ceremony kicked off, we made it a point to ask a few more celebrities for their thoughts on the topic as the night moved on.
Actresses Violet and Madeline McGraw - All photos by MacabreDaily
Madeline and Violet McGraw, stars of “The Black Phone 2” and M3GAN 2.0 talked to us about the challenges it is to being a younger person in horror films and what helps them get through some of the tough and or traumatic scenes they need to do for their characters. Madeline mentions: “Especially with ‘Black Phone 2,’ it’s a lot different than the first film with just everything the characters go through. It definitely took a lot more out of me this time so I was just so grateful to have my family being so supportive and sticking with me, my mom making sure I was okay and able to do what was needed for the role. Honestly yeah, as long as I have that support from my family and them behind me, I can deal with the issues my character has to face.
Violet, her younger sister also had this to say on the matter: “I think both of us having each other be in the business and our family’s around, it really helps and of course working with adults who protect you and guide you. Maddy gives me great advice too.” Of course, we had to ask, what film truly scared you? “Oh wow, honestly, ‘The Black Phone’ says Violet. “That was like the first horror movie my parents actually let me watch the whole way through.” Madeline was still pondering her answer when it finally came to her: “See, our parents did NOT let us watch any type of horror movies when we were younger. If we wanted to watch one we’d have to sneak it while on a plane trip or something but ‘Stephen King’s IT’ was the first movie to really scare me. Clowns are my biggest fear so I would picture Pennywise everywhere for a while after watching it.”
When we tried to get a bit more information about M3GAN 2.0 and The Black Phone 2, Madeline was quick to answer: “I can’t say much but we explore more about Gwen’s dreams and visions and how they impact not only the town but her family.” Violet kept quiet on M3GAN 2.0 by simply saying: “You’ll have to watch it and see but it is sort of a coming-of-age film.” We’re excited to see these young stars continue to shine in the industry and they were presenting the “Best Horror Film” award later that night.
Speaking of the Best Horror Film award, that honor went to Fede Alvarez and his film “Alien: Romulus”. We spoke with “Alien: Romulus” producer, Michael Pruss about what the Alien franchise means to so many. “I think the first film was released when I was born, in 1979, but it truly has always had a visceral effect on people. I think it’s a great collective experience watching sci-fi and horror movies in the cinema and being grossed out. I think there is something truly great about the Alien franchise and it has such an impact on cinema now and especially back then.”
When pressed about the rumors of a sequel to Romulus already in the works and if it will be a direct sequel or only a tie-in. “We are talking about another film. Ideas are being discussed and we have some meetings lined up. It’s always about finding the right story and making it feel urgent and calls for an audience. You don’t wanna do an Alien film just to do it. You want it to be awesome and fans enjoy it and pushing the fans in a new direction. We’re not doing a direct sequel but something that will be connected with Romulus. I can’t reveal much more as we’re still finalizing things but for all you Alien fans out there, I truly hope you’ll see more.”
Actor David Dastmalchian - All photos by MacabreDaily
“Late Night With The Devil” was one of the standout films of 2024. It was what everyone was talking about when it came to Independent films and being a whirlwind of a film from beginning to end. Star of the film, David Dastmalchian was able to chat with us before accepting the award for Best Independent Film later in the evening. We were able to ask him about his character in the film Jack and what drew him to that role. “Jack Delroy is a guy who is a performer. He has a public persona he has to keep up with but underneath that, he’s really struggling and I feel that I could really relate to. There have been many times when I am in an atmosphere like this one, on a red carpet or at an event, having to be ‘ON’. You have to be positive, you have to be friendly and underneath you might be having a really hard time and struggling with something. That’s something I can relate to in Jack. I understand his struggle in that space and dive right into it.”
Like with Madelin and Violent, we had to inquire what film first truly scared Dastmalchian, “Curse of The Werewolf” the Hammer Horror film with Oliver Reed. It’s a classic and I watched it on a Friday night movie show. I had nightmares for a while and it really shook me.” When we asked David about humor leaving horror films as we did Greg Nicotero, David had a different perspective on the matter. “I don’t think that that is true. If you look at the films just last year, there are a lot that have very dark humor in them. I loved ‘Strange Darling,’ which had some wild comedy to it. I think that when it’s done right, there are a few directors who are doing well with it. It doesn’t have to be full-on comedy just as long as there is a sense of humor behind it, I think films like that are useful.”
Actress Barbara Crampton - All photos by MacabreDaily
Right before the ceremony was to begin, we spotted actress Barabra Crampton who was stunning in her “Re-Animator” inspired dress suit complete with neon green bedazzlement and eye shadow. “Yes, I am here in my neon green sequin suit and presenting for the Best Horror Series tonight with Zackary Arthur from CHUCKY. Which may or may not hint at a future collaboration that might be coming up for a new series.” Oh, the tease, well we’re eager for news on that when it happens but let’s get back to Re-Animator’s 40th anniversary for a second. What do you think director Stuart Gordon would say about the film’s lasting power and its impact? “I think Stuart was the kind of director who pushed boundaries and look at someone like Coralie Fargeat with “The Substance” and go ‘Wow, could we have done this 40 years ago’ and I think he would be applauding her. So I think he paved the way for many directors to take risks and chances and he’s one of our forefathers of this genre who would have been really excited for what is coming out today.”
We asked our burning question of Barbara regarding humor in horror and she gave us this great response: “Horror and comedy are some of the most difficult things to do on film. I think it leaves the genre a lot of the time when people are trying to sell films internationally. Seeing how the jokes might not land in other languages, we’re in a funny kind of period of time right now for it. Seeing how streaming services are shrinking people may not be wanting to do genre projects like during Covid since everyone was at home. I think people are being a bit more serious now as the world itself is getting pretty scary. I think it’s a really good question as we battle the signs of the times.”
AND THE AWARD GOES TO…
That wrapped up or red carpet coverage for the evening but the awards ceremony was just beginning and horror and sci-fi ruled the night as the various awards were given out. William Shatner, legendary pop icon and beloved figure of sci-fi fans and beyond, was presented with the Saturn’s Lifetime Achievement Award by actor and son-in-law, Joel Gretsch. The second annual Lance Reddick Legacy Award was bestowed upon one of the most respected actors in the industry, Laurence Fishburne by Emmy® and Grammy® Award-winning actor, director, and producer LeVar Burton. Two-time Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning actor and star of the Disney series “Shōgun,” Hiroyuki Sanada was presented with The Robert Forster Artist’s Award by writer/director/producer Jonathan Nolan.
The Cast of “Strange Darling” - All photos by MacabreDaily
Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and writer-producer Bob Gale of “Back to the Future” were in attendance to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the all-time classic time-travel adventure and to receive The George Pal Memorial Award for its filmmakers and stars. Comedians Dana Gould and Bobcat Goldthwait presented the Award to all three.
The Amazon series “Fallout,” which invites new sci-fi fans into its post-apocalyptic adventure, received The Spotlight Award, presented to its cast and creators by Golden Globe® winner Ron Perlman. Clark Kent himself, actor Tyler Hoechlin, and the writers of the WBTV show “Superman & Lois,” Brent Fletcher and Todd Helbing, were awarded the Dan Curtis Legacy Award by well-respected actor George Newbern as the show celebrates its four-year, four-season run.
Other notable attendees included Colin Farrell, Denis Villeneuve, Nicolas Cage, Mark Hamill, Juliet Lewis, Antony Starr, Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, among many, many others. All attended to collect and present Saturn Awards, in addition to supporting this very special community.
This year’s show was dedicated to all those affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires and the true superheroes – the firemen and emergency responders whose bravery, dedication, and sacrifice helped protect lives and property in the face of devastating challenges.
Here are the full list of winners.
FILMS:
Best Science Fiction Film: Dune: Part Two
Best Fantasy Film: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Best Horror Film: Alien: Romulus
Best Action / Adventure Film: Deadpool & Wolverine
Best Thriller Film: Strange Darling
Best International Film: Godzilla Minus One
Best Animated Film: The Wild Robot
Best Independent Film: Late Night with the Devil
Best Actor in a Film: Nicolas Cage (Dream Scenario)
Best Actress in a Film: Demi Moore (The Substance)
Best Supporting Actor in a Film: Hugh Jackman (Deadpool & Wolverine)
Best Supporting Actress in a Film: Rebecca Ferguson (Dune: Part Two)
Best Younger Performer in a Film: Jenna Ortega (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)
Best Film Direction: Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two)
Best Film Writing (Screenplay): Osgood Perkins (Longlegs)
Best Film Music (Composer): Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)
Best Film Editing: Dean Zimmerman & Shane Reid (Deadpool & Wolverine)
Best Film Production Designer: Patrice Vermette (Deadpool & Wolverine)
Best Film Make-Up: The Substance (Pierre-Olivier Persin)
Best Film Costume: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Colleen Atwood)
Best Film Visual / Special Effects: Dune: Part Two (Paul Lambert, Stephen James,
Rhys Salacombe, Gerd Nefzer)
TELEVISION:
Best Science Fiction Television Series: Fallout
Best Fantasy Television Series: House of the Dragon
Best Horror Television Series: From
Best Superhero Television Series: Agatha All Along
Best Action/Thriller Television Series: Cobra Kai
Best Adventure Television Series: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Best Animated Series: Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Best Television Presentation: The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Best Actor in a Television Series: Colin Farrell (The Penguin)
Best Actress in a Television Series: Rosario Dawson (Star Wars: Ahsoka)
Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series: Antony Starr (The Boys)
Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
Best Younger Performer in a Television Series: Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai)
Best Guest-Star in a Television Series: Mark Hamill (The Fall of the House of
Usher)
We’d like to extend our gratitude to The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror for inviting Macabre Daily to the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards. It was an absolute pleasure to connect with fellow genre fans and dive into discussions about the significance of horror and sci-fi in film. These genres have shaped cinema in profound ways, pushing creative boundaries and exploring the depths of human imagination. We hope to make our presence at the Saturn Awards a lasting tradition, bringing you even more coverage from the best genre-focused award show in town.
All photos by MacabreDaily
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