Brian Presents 2026 Steven Hawking Medal to Sir Ridley Scott
STARMUS FESTIVAL COFOUNDERS SIR BRIAN MAY AND GARIK ISRAELIAN PRESENTED SIR RIDLEY SCOTT WITH THE 2026 STEPHEN HAWKING MEDAL FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Following the global premiere of Dog Stars, filmmaker Sir Ridley Scott has been awarded the prestigious Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication 2026 by STARMUS Festival, recognising his extraordinary contribution to bringing science, technology and some of humanity’s biggest questions to global audiences through film.
The Stephen Hawking Medal was established ten years ago by Professor Stephen Hawking, a board member of the STARMUS Festival, to honour individuals who bridge the gap between science and society through the arts, music and film.
Sir Ridley is being honoured for a visionary body of work spanning Alien, Blade Runner, Prometheus, The Martian and now Dog Stars — films that have explored some of our most compelling scientific and technological questions, from the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the origins of humanity to artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, space exploration and the challenges of surviving on another planet. Through his films, Sir Ridley has encouraged audiences worldwide to engage with complex ideas, including the ethical consequences of scientific discovery.
Sir Ridley Scott says: “It is a genuine honour to receive this award, especially one that takes its name from such a brilliant scientist. It is vital for today’s society to engage with scientific thought, and it has been my privilege to inspire curiosity in audiences around the world through my films.”
Sir Brian May says: “We’re highly honoured and delighted that Ridley Scott has accepted this STARMUS Stephen Hawking medal. His films have inspired us all for half a century now, to question the relationship between humans and the endless possibilities that surround us. Ridley’s work explores the place where Science meets Art, and humanity meets destiny – the very path of curiosity that Stephen Hawking himself inspired us to tread….All Hail Ridley Scott !!”
Garik Israelian says: “Ridley Scott has inspired millions of people to think about some of the biggest questions facing humanity: Are we alone? Where do we come from? What is intelligence? Can we survive on other worlds? Through extraordinary storytelling, his films have brought these questions to audiences around the world. This is exactly the spirit in which Stephen Hawking and STARMUS created the Medal ten years ago, and I believe he would have been delighted to see Ridley receive it.”
At Claridge’s in London, STARMUS co-founders Sir Brian May and Garik Israelian presented Sir Ridley Scott with the medal and a unique OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch crafted in 18K Moonshine™ Gold. The three discussed film, art, science, humanity, life beyond Earth and the enduring legacy of Stephen Hawking, ten years after he initiated the medal with the STARMUS co-founders.
Garik asked Sir Ridley what he would ask Stephen Hawking if he had the chance. Ridley replied: “What’s your opinion about God?”
He then shared his own thoughts: “I have a sneaking suspicion there is a function out there we can’t comprehend… Is there an entity looking down on us like we’re chimpanzees or not? Are we being watched?”
The Stephen Hawking Medal Ceremony 2026 will take place at Starmus VIII: The Search for Truth — 17–22 October, Tenerife & La Palma. Tickets available at www.starmus.com