Sir Ridley Scott presented with Stephen Hawking Medal by STARMUS co-founders

STARMUS co-founders Brian May and Garik Israelian met with legendary filmmaker Sir Ridley Scott, to present him with the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication 2026 by STARMUS Festival.

The award honours individuals who 'bridge the gap between science and society through the arts, music and film', and has been presented to Sir Ridley following his decades such as Alien, Blade Runner, Prometheus, The Martian and his most recent release Dog Stars. Sir Ridley has encouraged audiences across the world to engage with complex ideas, including the ethical consequences of scientific discovery, through his many films.

Speaking about receiving the award, Sir Ridley said: "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."

Following the meeting in Claridge's in London, Brian May said: "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 !!"

READ MORE: Queen's Brian May to perform at STARMUS VIII music and science festival

STARMUS co-founder Garik Israelian added: "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 10 years ago, and I believe he would have been delighted to see Ridley receive it.”

Previous recipients of the award include Christopher Nolan, Sir David Attenborough and The Big Bang Theory.

The STARMUS Festival takes place in October and was founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian and musician, astrophysicist, and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May. Starmus VIII will take place between 17th and 22nd October 2026 in Tenerife and La Palma. Tickets for the event are still available at www.starmus.com

This year, Brian May will perform along with legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and internationally acclaimed soprano Sarah Brightman.