``Minority Report'' & ``The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' Lead List of Nominations as Cinescape Presents the 29th Annual Saturn Awards, to Be Held on May 18.

Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2003

James Cameron Awarded Academy's Highest Honor

It was another banner year for both Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson as their films lead the pack in this year's nominations as Cinescape Presents The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films' 29th Annual Saturn Awards. Acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron will be honored with the Academy's Dr. Donald A. Reed Award, with special recognition also going to Kurt Russell, Sid and Marty Krofft, Bob and Harvey Weinstein and Bill Paxton for their contributions to the genre. This year's ceremony will be presented on Sunday, May 18, 2003, at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel at Hollywood & Highland, followed by a star-studded after-party event.

As genre films continue to dominate the box office, the 31-year-old non-profit Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films honors the world's most popular films with multiple nominations going to "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" and "Minority Report," each of which garnered 10 nominations, including Best Picture for fantasy and science fiction, respectively. Among the films receiving multiple nods were: "Star Wars: Episode 2: Attack of the Clones" (7), "Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets" (6), "Spider-Man" (6) and "One Hour Photo" (5).

Television was well represented with such popular series as "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" and "Smallville" receiving five nominations each. The Mini-Series, "Steven Spielberg Presents Taken" (a co-production between DreamWorks and The Sci Fi Channel) showed its presence with four nominations, including Best Single Program Presentation, Best Actress (Emily Bergl), and two Best Supporting Actress nods for Heather Donahue and Dakota Fanning. "Angel" and UPN's "Enterprise" also received four nominations each, with "Alias" and "Farscape" receiving three nominations each.

The Academy continues honoring DVD home entertainment in five categories. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Columbia/TriStar Home Entertainment and Fox Home Entertainment each had three nominees. Universal Home Entertainment received two nominations, for "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" (Ultimate Gift Set) and the "Back To The Future" Trilogy. "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (Special Extended Version) from New Line Home Entertainment also garnered a nod.

This year's event will also feature Cinescape's Faces of the Future Award, which will be decided online as fans log onto www.cinescape.com and vote for their favorite up-and-coming talent. Last year, more than 20,000 Cinescape readers participated, ultimately awarding Jolene Blalock and James Marsters as Cinescape's Faces of the Future.

Each year, the Academy recognizes several individuals for their contribution to the art of science fiction, fantasy and horror. This year, several notables will receive awards:

Dr. Donald A. Reed Award

James Cameron is a writer, director, producer and cinematic innovator whose work includes some of the most compelling genre films in cinema history, including "The Terminator," "Aliens," "The Abyss," "Terminator 2" and, most recently, Steven Soderbergh's "Solaris" and the documentary "Ghosts of the Abyss," as well as "Titanic," the most successful film of all time. This year, the Academy awards Cameron its highest honor, The Dr. Donald A. Reed Award, for his continued support of quality genre filmmaking. The Award is named after Dr. Donald A. Reed, the Founder of the Academy, who helmed the non-profit group until his passing in 2001. Dr. Reed was one of the great champions of genre film and television for over 40 years.

Life Career Awards have been voted to actor Kurt Russell and producers Sid and Marty Krofft. Russell's successful career includes crafting iconic characters in such genre classics as "Escape From New York," "Big Trouble in Little China," "StarGate" and "The Thing." The Kroffts have created some of the most imaginative programs in TV history that remain beloved by young and old alike. Their work includes "H.R. Pufnstuf," "Lidsville," "The Bugaloos," "Sigmund and the Sea Monster" and the more recent television remake of the classic family show, "Family Affair."

Special Achievement Award has been voted to the dynamic producing duo, Bob and Harvey Weinstein. Through their companies, Miramax and Dimension Films, they have opened up new avenues for filmmakers to explore and expand the genre, making quality independent films on a modest budget. Some of the genre films that have emerged through their efforts include the "Scream" trilogy, "Spy Kids" and "Pulp Fiction."

The Filmmaker's Showcase Award goes to actor Bill Paxton for his auspicious directing debut, the psychological thriller, "Frailty." One of the most respected actors working today and a genre favorite for his standout performances in films like "Near Dark" and "Aliens," Paxton has moved behind the camera and garnered widespread acclaim for his feature directorial debut. Paxton has proven that he has a keen eye for detail, atmosphere and craftsmanship and follows the path of actors-turned-directors that includes Ron Howard and Robert Redford.

Last year's event was attended by such respected artists as Steven Spielberg, who won the award for best screenplay for "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," actor Nicolas Cage, and the legendary Stan Lee, among numerous others.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films was founded in 1972 by Dr. Donald A. Reed to honor and recognize the quality of genre entertainment. Toward that end, the organization annually votes the Saturn Awards, one of the genre's most respected groups. The Academy has the support of such industry giants as Steven Spielberg, Roger Corman, Sherry Lansing, William Friedkin, Douglas Wick, Bryan Singer, James Cameron, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, and George Pal. Past celebrations have been attended by: Kevin Spacey, Peter Jackson, Bonnie Hunt, Sam Raimi, Jim Wiatt, Michael DeLuca, Robert Shaye, Steven Spielberg, Sherry Lansing, Jeff Bridges, Dario Argento, Dino DeLaurentiis, Rod Serling, Rock Hudson, Barbara Broccoli, Leonard Nimoy, Toby Emmerich, Ray Bradbury, Lon Chaney Jr., Rod Steiger, William Friedkin, Billy Bob Thornton, Brian Grazer, and Ron Meyer, to name a few.

Robert Holguin currently presides as President of the Academy. The late Dr. Donald A. Reed founded the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films as a non-profit organization in 1972. The Academy's mission is to bring honor and recognition to the talented individuals who work in the expressive genres of science fiction, fantasy and horror. Each year the Academy organizes the prestigious Saturn Awards, allowing members to vote for the best science fiction, fantasy, horror, action, adventure and thriller genre work done in film, television and on DVD. The Academy is collectively comprised of professionals and academics, who all gather to vote these awards.

Mania Entertainment LLC is the leading entertainment company focused on genre entertainment (i.e. sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and anime), and publishes the #1 magazine in this market, Cinescape Magazine. Mania is building THE BRAND in genre entertainment through multiple mediums, including publishing, film, television, comics and novels, live events and merchandise. Mania's advisory board includes Gary Adelson, Jeff Sagansky, Alex Berger, Jim Robinson IV, Gale Anne Hurd, Clive Barker, John Carpenter, Sandy King Carpenter, Jon Levin, Stan Lee, Mick Garris, James Miller, Stan Winston, George Romero and Tobe Hooper.