Category recognition
Science fiction movies have long been honored with prestigious awards, dating back as far as 1882, when Georges Méliès’ A Trip to the Moon won a Gold Medal at the International Exposition of Electricity. This tradition of awarding prizes in the genre has continued to this day, with the more recognizable academy awards, Oscars, and Golden Globe awards. Various science fiction movies have scooped up accolades in best editing, visual effects, screenplay, art direction, and sound editing, to name a few. Since the inception of the Saturn Awards in 1972, there has been an even larger platform for science fiction movies to receive recognition.
Popularity of science fiction
This award-winning recognition has much to do with the immense popularity of science fiction as a genre. The allure of science fiction lies within its capacity to explore complex and far-reaching questions that are all too often considered outside the boundaries of practicality or reality. It delves into concepts such as the existence of extra-terrestrial life, artificial intelligence and the exploration of space, all of which drive audiences to engage in stimulating thought and discussion.
Science fiction also has an aptitude for stimulating its viewers both intellectually and emotionally. It spends a great deal of energy on the fundamental themes which drive human relationships, such as morality and loyalty.
Reception of sci-fi movies
Although the reception of science fiction movies has improved drastically in recent times, the genre still faces immense obstacles. This is largely due to the misconception of the genre as a whole, which is often linked with ideas of kitsch in kitsch. Consequently, this can lessen the impact a movie may have on a viewer. Even with overwhelming evidence of success, award nominations and reviews, science fiction movies still often face an uphill battle when it comes to being recognized as serious movies worthy of prizes.
Special effects
The work of art departments and special effects teams in creating believable and captivating science fiction worlds is often overlooked for the more tangible and realistic genre movies. Special effects teams are the unsung heroes of many science fiction movies, as it is their tireless work that makes life on screen feel as close to reality as possible. Science fiction filmmakers can often push the boundaries of special effects, as the usually larger budgets often allow for riskier and more ambitious shots. Consequently, this can revolutionize how filmmaking and visual effects can be used to create cinematically beautiful and emotionally stimulating science fiction movies.
Important indicators
The degree to which people can enjoy and connect with a science fiction movie is not wholly dependent on awards. Critical and financial success are just as important, if not more important indicators of a movie’s worth. The Jurassic Park franchise is perhaps the biggest example, with its opening film becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time upon its release in 1993. Print media reviews are another important indicator of a movie’s worth. The original Terminator movie received universal acclaim upon its release in 1984 and is seen as one of the best science-fiction movies of all time.
Where to watch
The availability of streaming services and increasing numbers of science fiction titles at the cinema and home video has allowed the genre to grow. Science fiction fans can find a wealth of amazing and award-winning titles across both, with blockbusters such as Star Wars, The Matrix and Avatar proving to be timeless classics.
Future of the genre
Science fiction is still developing, and with this comes the promise of more award-winning movies, captivating stories, and even more awe-inspiring special effects. Sci-fi movies bring together all of the best elements of filmmaking and storytelling, and are the perfect vehicle to explore grand, ambitious ideas and take viewers on a captivating journey.
Influence on other mediums
Science fiction movies not just influence the film industry, but other mediums of art as well. Many of the leading names in literature, comics, animation and video games have their roots in science fiction stories, often inspired by the movies. Many science fiction movies are adapted from their original source material or inspire other art forms to be created from the ideas presented.
Unrealistic expectations
The success of some of the biggest science fiction movies have led to some misconstrued expectations of what sci-fi is and what it can be. Movies such as Bladerunner and The Matrix have set the bar impossibly high for what a sci-fi movie should be and it is important to remember that not every sci-fi movie should be judged against those standards. Fact and fantasy naturally intermingle within the genre and this has to be kept in mind while watching those movies.
Social commentary
Science fiction movies can often be used as a platform to critique social, cultural and political issues by presenting them within a fictional context. The original Star Trek TV series tackled racism and politics in many episodes, while Metropolis and Wall-E explored themes such as the alienation of the proletariat from its masters. Science fiction is seen as a great medium for cleverly commenting on timely topics without appearing too preachy or condescending.
Role of technology
Technology has a huge powering role in many science fiction movies, where the advancement of technology often serves as the basis for the story’s conflict and resolution. Technology is one of the key driving forces that bring sci-fi movies to life and it is often used to explore the complexities of its power and potential, as seen in Ex Machina and Her.
Gender representation
The representation of gender within science fiction movies is often one of the most talked-about topics. Sci-fi movies can be a great platform for the exploration of gender dynamics and its importance within the framework of films. We have seen significant progress in this area in recent years with more gender non-binary and strong female characters becoming the norm. Aspects of gender are increasingly explored in films such as Star Wars, Mad Max, and Aliens.
Science fiction films at festivals
The inclusion of sci-fi films in festivals is a testament to how far the genre has come over the years. Although the proportion of science fiction films at festivals may still be relatively small, the recognition by leading industry figures is ever-growing. For example, 2018’s Cannes Film Festival featured both Annihilation and Sorry to Bother You, with the latter taking home the Critics’ Week Grand Prize.
Difference between sci-fi and fantasy
It is important to remember that science fiction and fantasy are two distinct genres, however they are often confused or used interchangeably. Fantasy films focus on other-worldly worlds, often featuring mythical creatures and have little to no scientific accuracy. On the other hand, science fiction films focus on worlds that are based in scientific accuracy, albeit often relying on some form of speculation.
A mature genre
The genre has seen a great deal of success in recent years, due to the success of franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel’s Avengers and the more recent addition to the genre, Interstellar. This success has helped the genre mature and move away from the historically kitschy and frivolous elements associated with the genre. We now see amazing and thought-provoking science fiction films being released all the time, proving that, for many, the allure of science fiction remains strong.
