Elston Gunn With The President (Of The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)!! + Complete Saturn Nom List!!

Merrick here...
This one kind of speaks for itself, so I'll keep my intro short. Interesting that they're so many SUPERMAN RETURNS nominations. For a film everyone thrashes... Here's Elston...

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films has announced the nominations for the 33rd Annual Saturn Awards. Leading the pack is Bryan Singer’s homage to the superhero mythos SUPERMAN RETURNS with 10 nominations. The features X-MEN: THE LAST STAND and PAN'S LABYRINTH follow with 6 nominations each, the latter receiving its nod in the restored category of Best International Film. In the television categories, LOST continued to find nominations, receiving a total of 6, while NBC’s newcomer HEROES burst onto the scene, earning 5 nominations. A Special Recognition Award will be presented to the imaginative children’s book ALIEN XMAS written by Stephen Chiodo & Jim Strain, and published by Baby Tattoo Books. The winners will be announced at this year’s 33rd Annual Saturn Awards which takes place on Thursday, May 10, 2007 in Universal City. This year marks the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films’ 35th Anniversary. The non-profit organization was founded in 1972 by film historian, Dr. Donald A. Reed. The Academy is currently headed by Robert Holguin, who serves as President of the Academy. Holguin has taken time to answer some questions for AICN. [Elston Gunn]: Congratulations on your 35th anniversary. In your own words, what exactly is the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films? [Robert Holguin]: The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films was founded by genre film historian, Dr. Donald A. Reed, to help bring recognition to these areas of filmmaking. His belief was that other award-giving organizations often overlooked the quality of genre filmmaking most likely due to the fact many looked at these films as "juvenile entertainment." Whereas our Academy believes that these films have just as much to offer as any other genres in terms of quality entertainment.
[EG]: What do you think inspired Dr. Reed to take action and actually make the organization happen? [RH]: The Academy was founded in 1972, but Dr. Reed actually started an earlier organization, The Count Dracula Society, in 1962, which was designed to honor and recognize gothic film and literature. He had a life long love of horror/gothic literature going back to the works of Montague Summers, Ann Radcliffe, and Horace Walpole (THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO - 1764). Living in Southern California, he had the opportunity to meet many of the film legends who were near the twilight of their careers or retired. As head of the Count Dracula Society, Dr. Reed had dinners which honored such luminaries as Rod Serling, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Bud Abbott, Gloria Swanson, Helen Gahagen Douglas, Gene Roddenberry, Fritz Lang, William Castle, Ray Bradbury and Elsa Lanchester, just to name a few. He was quite active in those early years. Dr. Reed attended the University of Southern California (USC) and had the opportunity to make acquaintances with many other interested students who loved these works and thus, in 1972, morphed his Count Dracula Society into The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror. Dr. Donald A. Reed had a strong love and passion for these films, which captured his imagination. His favorite films included FORBIDDEN PLANET, THE MUMMY and ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN. Dr. Reed passed away in 2001, but I can assure you that the same love, passion and devotion he had for these genres lives on in the current administration of this organization.
[EG]: You don't solely concentrate on films now. How have you expanded? [RH]: The world of fandom has a strong following in television. Growing up, we all watched television and became exposed to many of the great shows which were being produced at the time. In the 60's, the timeless classics we all grew up with included STAR TREK, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, THE OUTER LIMITS, LOST IN SPACE and DARK SHADOWS. Since those early days, the shows we all remember and revere have expanded to include: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN, THE NIGHT STALKER and THE X-FILES to name just a few. These shows are well remembered and stand the test of time. The genre fan tends to be the most loyal to these shows and their passion is the greatest. We decided that we should expand our attention to television, which continues to showcase some of the best television programming on the air (LOST, HEROES, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA). We also have, in recent years, been honoring DVD releases. Some of the most exciting releases can be found on DVD.
[EG]: You divide the Saturn Awards film categories into Best Sci Fi, Fantasy, Horror, Animation and Action/Adventure/Thriller. When a film blurs the lines between genres how do you decide where to put what? [RH]: Determining which genre best suits a film can be difficult. ALIEN is considered a science fiction film, but the horror element is so evident, it could easily be placed in the horror category. We try and look at the intention of the film and determine where it would best be represented. We have also become more progressive in our thinking regarding nominations. We are no longer a hardcore niche group, but have moved more into the mainstream looking at films which are quality entertainment, but may not be considered a one hundred percent genre film.
[EG]: You also have three different Special Awards. What are the differences and criteria for each? [RH]: Special Awards are determined by contributions to the genre field by specific individuals and/or by a specific work which has made a special and significant impact on the genres we honor. Life Career Awards go to individuals who have built a strong list of quality genre work; The Filmmakers Showcase Award goes to an individual who shows remarkable directing skills in his/her debut as a director usually making the leap from his/her field of artistry (writing, acting, etc.); The George Pal Memorial Award goes to an individual who had made films which are on the level of the great films that George Pal made in his lifetime (THE TIME MACHINE, WAR OF THE WORLDS, WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE). We have committees within the Academy which help determine the recipients of these special honors.
[EG]: Other than the Saturns and movie screenings on the weekends, what else does the organization do - especially to support genre films? [RH]: The Saturn Awards are important to the genre industry as they help promote, honor and recognize genre entertainment. The screenings we offer members on the weekends are important as they help expose genre fans to filmed entertainment which promotes word of mouth. We invite filmmakers down to some of the screenings and they participate in a discussion of their film. Over the years, we've had such filmmakers as Bryan Singer, Robert Rodriguez, James Cameron, Gale Anne Hurd, Eli Roth, Douglas Wick, Richard Correll, and Sam Raimi among others down to talk about their work. I would like to see the annual event televised so the average genre fan has an opportunity to see, experience and feel a part of honoring and recognizing the films and shows we all love.
[EG]: The organization is open to anybody. If you don't live in L.A., how might you get involved? [RH]: The most important aspect of joining and supporting the Academy is to participate in the voting of the Saturn Awards. All members have the right to vote for the best films. Members may participate and vote in specific categories such as acting, directing, writing, etc., but they must request to serve on these committees. We try and keep the voting limited to those who have an interest in those respective fields. We currently have about 1000 members worldwide.
[EG]: What kind of things do you have in store to celebrate the 35th anniversary? [RH]: We hope to do a retrospective at this year's Saturn Awards focusing on many of the high points over the history of the Academy. Our most famous (or infamous) moment in our history is the year that William Shatner hosted the annual event and sang his rendition of "Rocket Man" in 1978. It's amazing how people remember that single incident. Since then, the Saturn Awards has grown into the premiere awards show of the Best in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films and Television, attracting filmmakers, stars and luminaries from the world of genre entertainment. We are delighted to have as co-hosts of this year's Saturn Awards the personable actor Greg Grunberg (HEROES), and the stand-up comedian who excels at celebrity roasts, Jeffrey Ross. This year's show will take place on May 10, 2007.
[EG]: Do you think genre films are more respected now than ever? [RH]: I'm happy to say that genre filmmaking is in the forefront in terms of popularity at the boxoffice. There was a time when the genres were looked down upon as second-rate entertainment, but in today's market, the genre film is the dominant force in the film industry. Much thanks for this has to go to such leading filmmakers as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, Bryan Singer, Dean Devlin, Sam Raimi, J.J. Abrams, and Peter Jackson. The Oscars have begun to show more respect for genre filmmaking in recent years, so I think that things have progressed a bit.
[EG]: What are your plans and goals for the next 35 years? [RH]: The world of filmmaking is evolving. With filmmakers such as Jim Cameron leading the way in new and innovative ways in filmmaking (such as AVATAR and BATTLE ANGEL), it's bound to reinvent the look of film. We hope to bring attention to this brave new world that Cameron is creating. We know the internet has become a dominant part of our lives. We will begin looking at the content which is created for the internet and focus some of our attention in this area. We hope to continue to be there to support and assist young filmmakers who appreciate the encouragement early in their careers. From George Melies 1902 classic, A TRIP TO THE MOON, to whatever is in store for us in the future, I know it's going to be grand and breathtaking. And it's something for all of us to look forward to.
SPECIAL THANKS to Brad & Kevin Marcus, Writers/Supervising Producers of the Saturn Awards, for their assistance in this Q&A. For more info on the Saturn Awards and the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, visit http://www.saturnawards.org/

THE 33rd ANNUAL SATURN AWARDS NOMINATIONS BEST SCIENCE FICTION FILM Children of Men (Universal) Déjà vu (Buena Vista) The Fountain (Warner Bros.) The Prestige (Buena Vista) V For Vendetta (Warner Bros.) X-Men: The Last Stand (20th Century Fox) BEST FANTASY FILM Charlotte’s Web (Paramount) Eragon (20th Century Fox) Night At the Museum (20th Century Fox) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (Buena Vista) Stranger Than Fiction (Sony) Superman Returns (Warner Bros.) BEST HORROR FILM The Descent (Lionsgate) Final Destination 3 (New Line Cinema) Hostel (Lionsgate) Saw III (Lionsgate) Slither (Universal) Snakes on a Plane (New Line Cinema) BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE/THRILLER FILM Casino Royale (Sony / MGM) The Departed (Warner Bros.) Flyboys (MGM) Mission Impossible III (Paramount) Notes on a Scandal (Fox Searchlight) Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (DreamWorks / Paramount) BEST ANIMATED FILM Cars (Buena Vista) Flushed Away (DreamWorks SKG) Happy Feet (Warner Bros.) Monster House (Sony) Over the Hedge (DreamWorks SKG) A Scanner Darkly (Warner Independent Pictures) BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM Apocalypto (Buena Vista) The Curse of the Golden Flower (Sony Pictures Classics) Fearless (Rogue / Focus) The Host (Magnolia Pictures) Letters From Iwo Jima (Warner Bros.) Pan’s Labyrinth (Picturehouse) BEST ACTOR Daniel Craig (Casino Royale) (Sony / MGM) Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible III) (Paramount) Will Farrell (Stranger Than Fiction) (Sony) Hugh Jackman (The Fountain) (Warner Bros.) Clive Owen (Children of Men) (Universal) Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) BEST ACTRESS Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) Judy Dench (Notes on a Scandal) (Fox Searchlight) Maggie Gyllenhaal (Stranger Than Fiction) (Sony) Shauna MacDonald (The Descent) (Lionsgate) Natalie Portman (V For Vendetta) (Warner Bros.) Renee Zellweger (Miss Potter) (Weinstein Company) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Ben Affleck (Hollywoodland) (Focus Features) Kelsey Grammer (X-Men: The Last Stand) (20th Century Fox) Philip Seymour Hoffman (Mission Impossible III) (Paramount) Sergi Lopez (Pan’s Labyrinth) (Picturehouse) James Marsden (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) Bill Nighy (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) (Buena Vista) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Cate Blanchett (Notes on a Scandal) (Fox Searchlight) Eva Green (Casino Royale) (Sony / MGM) Rachel Hurd-Wood (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) (DreamWorks / Paramount) Famke Janssen (X-Men: The Last Stand) (20th Century Fox) Parker Posey (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) Emma Thompson (Stranger Than Fiction) (Sony) BEST PERFORMANCE BY A YOUNGER ACTOR Ko A-Sung (The Host) (Magnolia Pictures) Ivana Baquero (Pan’s Labyrinth (Picturehouse) Jodelle Ferland (Tideland) (ThinkFilm) Tristan Lake Leabu (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) Mitchel Tate Musso (Monster House) (Sony) Edward Speleers (Eragon) (20th Century Fox) BEST DIRECTION J.J. Abrams (Mission Impossible III) (Paramount) Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men) (Universal) Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) (Picturehouse) Mel Gibson (Apocalypto) (Buena Vista) Bryan Singer (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) Tom Tykwer (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) (DreamWorks / Paramount) BEST WRITING Andrew Birkin, Bernd Eichinger Tom Tykwer (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) (DreamWorks / Paramount) Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) (Picturehouse) Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) Zach Helm (Stranger Than Fiction) (Sony) Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Paul Haggis (Casino Royale) (Sony / MGM) The Wachowski Brothers (V for Vendetta) (Warner Bros.) BEST MUSIC David Arnold (Casino Royale) (Sony / MGM) John Ottman (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) Douglas Pipes (Monster House) (Sony) John Powell (X-Men: The Last Stand) (20th Century Fox) Trevor Rabin (Flyboys) (MGM) Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil (Perfume: The Story of Murderer) (DreamWorks / Paramount) BEST COSTUME Joan Bergin (The Prestige) (Buena Vista) Yee Chung-Man (Curse of the Golden Flower) (Sony Classics) Penny Rose (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) (Buena Vista) Judianna Makovsky (X-Men: The Last Stand) (20th Century Fox) Gilly Martin (Flyboys) (MGM) Sammy Sheldon (V For Vendetta) (Warner Bros.) BEST MAKE-UP Howard Berger, Gregory Nicotero, Mario Michisanti - (The Hills Have Eyes) (Fox Searchlight) Paul Hyett, Vickie Lang - (The Descent) (Lionsgate) David Marti, Montse Ribe - (Pan’s Labyrinth) (Picturehouse) Todd Masters - (Slither) (Universal) Ve Neill, Joel Harlow - (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) (Buena Vista) Gregory Nicotero, Scott Patton - (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) (New Line Cinema) BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS John Bruno, Eric Saindon, Craig Lyn, Michael Vezina - (X-Men: The Last Stand) (20th Century Fox) Jeremy Dawson, Dan Schrecker, Mark Soper, Peter Parks - (The Fountain) (Warner Bros.) Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Patrick Tobach, Dan Sudick - (Mission Impossible III) (Paramount) Karin Joy, John Berton, Blair Clark, John Dietz - (Charlotte’s Web) (Paramount) John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson, Allen Hall - (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) (Buena Vista) Mark Stetson, Neil Corbould, Richard R. Hoover, Jon Thum - (Superman Returns) (Warner Bros.) TELEVISION CATEGORIES BEST NETWORK TELEVISION SERIES Heroes (NBC/Universal) Jericho (CBS) Lost (ABC) Smallville (CW) 24 (Fox) Veronica Mars (CW) BEST SYNDICATED / CABLE TELEVISION SERIES Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi Channel) The Closer (TNT) Dexter (Showtime) Doctor Who (Sci Fi Channel) Eureka (Sci Fi Channel) Kyle XY (ABC Family) Stargate SG-1 (Sci Fi Channel) BEST PRESENTATION ON TELEVISION The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines (TNT) Life On Mars (BBC America) The Lost Room (Sci Fi Channel) Masters of Horror (Showtime) Nightmares and Dreamscapes (TNT) 10.5: Apocalypse (NBC/Universal) BEST ACTOR IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM OR SERIES Matt Dallas (Kyle XY) (ABC Family) Mathew Fox (Lost) (ABC) Michael C. Hall (Dexter) (Showtime) Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica) (Sci Fi Channel) Kiefer Sutherland (24) (Fox) Noah Wyle (The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines) (TNT) BEST ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM OR SERIES Patricia Arquette (Medium) (NBC/Universal) Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) (CW) Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer) (CBS) Evangeline Lily (Lost) (ABC) Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) (Sci Fi Channel) Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer) (TNT) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM OR SERIES James Callis (Battlestar Galactica) (Sci Fi Channel) Michael Emerson (Lost) (ABC) Greg Grunberg (Heroes) (NBC/Universal) Josh Holloway (Lost) (ABC) Masi Oka (Heroes) (NBC/Universal) James Remar (Dexter) (Showtime) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM OR SERIES Gabrielle Anwar (The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines) (TNT) Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter) (Showtime) Ali Larter (Heroes) (NBC/Universal) Allison Mack (Smallville) (CW) Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) (ABC) Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) (NBC/Universal) DVD – HOME ENTERTAINMENT BEST DVD RELEASE Bambi II (Buena Vista) Beowulf & Grendel (Anchor Bay) The Butterfly Effect 2 (New Line) Hollow Man 2 (Sony) The Sci Fi Boys (Universal) 2001 Maniacs (Lionsgate) BEST DVD SPECIAL EDITION RELEASE The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Extended Edition) (Buena Vista) Final Destination 3 (Thrill Ride Edition) (New Line) Old Boy (Ultimate Collector’s Edition) (Tartan) King Kong (Deluxe Extended Edition) (Universal) Saw II (Unrated – Special Edition) (Lionsgate) Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (Warner) BEST DVD CLASSIC FILM RELEASE Forbidden Planet (Warner) Free Enterprise (Anchor Bay) Gojira (Godzilla) (Classic Media) A Nightmare on Elm Street (New Line) The Searchers (Warner) She (Legend Films) This Island Earth (Universal) BEST DVD COLLECTION The Boris Karloff Collection (Universal) The Exorcist – The Complete Anthology (Warner) The Premiere Frank Capra Collection (Sony) Hollywood Legends of Horror Collection (Warner) James Bond Ultimate Edition (Collections 1 – 4) (MGM) Superman Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Warner) BEST TELEVISION SERIES RELEASE ON DVD Deadwood (The Complete Second Season) (HBO) Doctor Who (The Complete Second Series) (BBC Warner) Lost (The Complete Second Season) (Buena Vista) Masters of Horror (Anchor Bay) MI – 5 (Volume 4) (BBC Warner) Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection (V. 9 – 10) (Rhino) BEST RETRO TELEVISION SERIES RELEASE ON DVD Adventures of Superman (The Complete Six Seasons) (Warner) Amazing Stories (The Complete First Season) (Universal) Saturday Night Live (The Complete First Season) (Universal) Star Trek: The Animated Series (Paramount) Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (Seasons 1 & 2) (Fox) The Wild Wild West (The Complete First Season) (Paramount) THE SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD - “ALIEN XMAS” Story by Stephen Chiodo & Jim Strain, with illustrations by Charles Chiodo. The Chiodo brothers are renowned filmmakers and creature shop specialists whose credits include Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Elf, and Team America: World Police. The book is published by Baby Tattoo Books (www.babytattoo.com). This children’s book tells the imaginative story of an alien named X, who is sent to Earth on a fiendish mission to rob the entire planet. When he lands in Santa’s workshop, he soon discovers that he may have more to deal with than he expected.