Keanu Reeves was honored with the inaugural Lance Reddick Legacy Award at the 2024 Saturn Awards on Sunday night. The John Wick 4 actor took the opportunity to pay homage to Reddick, his friend and costar.
Reeves opened his speech by offering “gratitude and appreciation to the Saturn Awards for recognizing and honoring the warm, beautiful spirit of an exceptional artist that is Lance Reddick. And for honoring me with the inaugural Lance Reddick Legacy Award.”
He continued, “For over 25 years, Lance made an imprint and raised the bar in every work of art and genre he was in, not only with his performance but with the man he was. He was kind, generous, creative, insightful, authentic. He had a special grace, strength, along with a vulnerability that drew us in, supported us, inspired us.”
Reeves is the first recipient of the Lance Reddick Legacy Award, which was launched to honor the actor following his death last year at age 60. The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films said the award “symbolizes and celebrates not only a performer’s talent, but their character” when announcing it would bestow it on Reeves this year.
“Keanu is not just a Hollywood icon but also a shining example of humility and gratitude,” the Academy said in a statement. “Throughout his incredible career, he has never forgotten the support of his fans and the filmmakers who’ve supported him all these years.”
The Saturn Awards, which recognize the best in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror film and TV, also handed out awards to Christopher Nolan, Harrison Ford, Margot Robbie, Nicholas Cage, Emily Blunt, and James Cameron. The cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Reddick died in March, ahead of the release of John Wick 4, in which he reprised his role of Charon, the hotel concierge. Reeves and the film’s director Chad Stahelski dedicated the film to his memory.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick. He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with,” Stahelski and Reeves said in a joint statement. “Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends. We dedicate the film to his loving memory. We will miss him dearly.”
