Jeffrey Katzenberg, Leonard Nimoy
and Lance Henriksen will be honored at the 35th Annual Saturn Awards

(Los Angeles, California) Two special awards will be presented at the upcoming 35th Annual Saturn Awards, presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.

DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg, will be presented The Visionary Award for spearheading the 3D film presentation which is currently the newest frontier in film production. Additionally we salute him on his successful efforts in raising the level of animation in film and television. This year marks the debut of the Visionary Award specially created to pay tribute to one of the most imaginative filmmakers working in the industry today.

Leonard Nimoy, the legendary icon in genre film and television will receive The Lifetime Achievement Award. Nimoy has established himself as one of the great film and television stars with his performances in such television series as Mission Impossible and the original science fiction series, STAR TREK, in the 60’s.

Actor Lance Henriksen will be receiving the Life Career Award.

Jeffrey Katzenberg has been one of the strong vocal supporters of 3D technology which is gaining a strong foothold in film production. In 1984, he served as CEO of Walt Disney Pictures and was responsible for turning the studio around with such acclaimed film releases as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. In 1994, Katzenberg teamed up with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen to form DreamWorks SKG. The company released several successful films before spinning off a new division, DreamWorks Animation, and naming Katzenberg as Chief Executive Officer. The company is one of the most successful studios in operation today with such film releases as Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and the current monster hit, Monsters Vs. Aliens. Katzenberg began his career as a talent agent soon rising to President of Production at Paramount Pictures. The Academy will recognize him for his efforts in bringing about the 3D evolution currently sweeping the country as well as raising the quality of film animation.

Leonard Nimoy began working as an actor accepting bit parts in such films as Zombies of the Stratesphere, Rhubarb, and Them. He achieved legendary status when he was hired to play a Vulcan in the television series, Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. The show only ran three seasons, but became a cult classic when it was re-run over an extended period of time. Conventions devoted to the series sprung up all over the country and Nimoy soon became an icon amongst the fans of science fiction. A series of feature films were produced to great success. Leonard Nimoy directed two of the successful film in the series and became a highly respected director. He is featured in the new film, STAR TREK, directed by J.J. Abrams. He is a beloved film and television star and the Academy will honor him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films was founded in 1972 by film historian, Dr. Donald A. Reed. The non-profit organization is devoted to honoring and recognizing the best in genre entertainment. Some of the talent who have been honored over the years include: Rod Serling, Boris Karloff, Fritz Lang, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Guillermo del Toro, and Steven Spielberg.

The 35th Annual Saturn Awards will take place on Wednesday, June 24, at the Castaway in Burbank. Comedian Jeff Ross (“Dancing with the Stars”, “CSI”) will host this year’s festivities.