THE CELLULOID MOON AWARD
This award recognizes and honors exemplary achievement in sci-fi cinema by visionary filmmakers and screenwriters.
MATTHEW ROBINSON 2026
SCREENWRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER
Our Celluloid Moon Award recipient for 2026 is screenwriter, director, producer Matthew Robinson. His break out film was the Ricky Gervais and Jennifer Garner hit comedy THE INVENTION OF LYING, which he co-wrote and co-directed. Matthew also wrote the post-apocalyptic action comedy LOVE AND MONSTERS, which received an Academy Award nomination for best Visual Efects, and the fatnasy adventure DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD. He is honored, especially, for his work on our FilmFest’s very timely sci-fi feature GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE, starring Sam Rockwell as a bedraggled man from the future who must conscript a team of ragtag, reluctant heroes to save the future from AI. Currently, Matthew is writing the upcoming scifi-action sequel EDGE OF TOMORROW 2, now in pre-production. We proudly recognize Robinsons ability to craft wildly imaginative original worlds.
JOHN SAYLES
2025 RECIPIENT
Director, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Novelist, Actor
In 2025 the inaugural Celluloid Moon Award was given to Schenectady native John Sayles. This first award recognizes his contributions to both the science fiction and horror genre. Beyond being very entertaining, his films often reveal a social conscience and political awareness. Nominated for two Oscars, with 29 wins, Sayles’ is known for RETURN OF THE SECAUCUS 7, MATEWAN, LIANNA, EIGHT MEN OUT, LONE STAR, PASSION FISH, and our 2025 chosen film THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET. John’s humanity is inexhaustible and thankfully, ever present in the work he shares with us.