The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films has just released the nomination list for the 40th annual installment of the Saturn Awards, and The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug has tied with ‘Gravity’ for the most nominations. Both received eight.
The gongs that The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug is up for are:
- Best fantasy film
- Best supporting actress (Evangeline Lilly)
- Best director (Peter Jackson)
- Best writing (Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo Del Toro)
- Best production design (Dan Hennah)
- Best music (Howard Shore)
- Best make-up (Rick Findlater, Richard Taylor, Peter King)
- Best special/visual effects (Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds)
The Academy was founded in 1972 by noted film historian Dr. Donald A. Reed to honour films often overlooked by mainstream awards.
Over the years, the Academy has expanded its reach to include recognising excellence in television and home entertainment, as well as other genres, including adventure, thriller and action. Robert Holguin, president of the Academy:
“This has been an incredible year for genre entertainment which I affectionately refer to as enhanced or exaggerated reality. The films and shows we honor continue to lead in box-office success showcasing a cadre of great talent helming today’s works of wonder. I’m thrilled to see the organization reach its fourth decade of dedication to the most imaginative creations on the silver screen and fantastic visions on the television screen.”
This year’s Saturn Awards will be presented in June in Burbank in California. Read the full list of nominees here.
Edit: the article previously listed Benedict Cumberbatch in line for the Best supporting actor gong. Which is true — but his nomination is for his work on the Star Trek movie, not The Hobbit.