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, recognizing 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 honored 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 honor 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 honored 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 cofounders Sir Brian May and Garik Israelian presented Sir Ridley Scott with the medal, alongside 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, October 17–22, Tenerife & La Palma. Tickets available www.starmus.com.
About STARMUS Festival
Founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian and musician, astrophysicist, and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, STARMUS is a global festival of science, exploration, music, and art that brings together Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, scientists, thinkers, artists and musicians to celebrate human curiosity, creativity, and discovery. For the full list of speakers and musicians at Starmus VIII (17 – 22 October 2026) please visit www.starmus.com.
About the medal
The bronze design has two particularly significant sides:
One side of the medal features a portrait of Stephen Hawking, created by Alexei Leonov, the Soviet/Russian cosmonaut who was the first person to conduct a spacewalk.
The other side combines an image of Leonov during his historic spacewalk with Brian May’s “Red Special” guitar, symbolizing the meeting of science, exploration, art and music — the core philosophy of the Starmus Festival.
Previous recipients include Christopher Nolan, Sir David Attenborough and The Big Bang Theory.
About OMEGA and the Speedmaster Moonwatch
OMEGA is a prestigious Swiss watchmaker and member of the Swatch Group Ltd. Since 1848, the brand has been synonymous with excellence, innovation and precision, as well as a pioneering spirit, demonstrated by conquests of the oceans and space.
In particular, the OMEGA Speedmaster has been trusted by astronauts and international space agencies since the 1960s, most famously during all six moon landings in history. As part of the brand’s commitment to science, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge, OMEGA has formed an enduring 10-year partnership with STARMUS. Each recipient of the Stephen Hawking Medal receives a golden Speedmaster Moonwatch. For the 2026 edition, Starmus VIII, the special Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18K Moonshine™️ Gold features a smoked sapphire glass caseback, which has been uniquely engraved in white to depict the medal itself. The caseback carries the words “WINNER OF THE STEPHEN HAWKING MEDAL FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION”.
