Keanu Reeves to be honored with inaugural Lance Reddick Legacy Award at Saturn Awards

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films is going all-out to honor the late Lance Reddick at the 51st Annual Saturn Awards, which takes in Los Angeles on Feb. 4.

The organization announced on Friday that this year's event is dedicated to the memory of the late Reddick and that Keanu Reeves will receive the inaugural Lance Reddick Legacy Award. Reddick died in March 2023 from heart disease, although the cause of death was later disputed by a lawyer representing the actor's family.

Reddick and Reeves appeared together in the four John Wick films, with Reddick portraying the role of Charon, the concierge of The Continental Hotel, while Reeves, of course, played the titular hitman. Franchise director Chad Stahelski and Reeves dedicated John Wick: Chapter 4 to Reddick, who died shortly before the film's release.

"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick," the pair said in a statement at the time. "He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with." 

Academy President Robert Holguin and Saturn producers Bradley and Kevin Marcus explained why Reeves was chosen for the honor. “This award symbolizes and celebrates not only a performer’s talent, but their character; someone who's a true goodwill ambassador in the industry," they shared in a statement.

"From Science Fiction (The Matrix trilogy), Fantasy (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure/Constantine) & Horror (Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula/The Devil's Advocate), Keanu has done it all — not to mention Speed and Point Break. Keanu is not just a Hollywood icon but also a shining example of humility and gratitude. Throughout his incredible career, he has never forgotten the support of his fans and the filmmakers who’ve supported him all these years. We're thrilled to celebrate Lance's memory with a dear friend and a genre icon.”

Titus Welliver, who worked with Reddick on the cop show Bosch, will present the award to Reeves. Joe McHale is hosting this year's Saturn Awards which will stream live on Electric Now.

Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Related content:

• Lance Reddick, The Wire and John Wick star, dies at 60
• Keanu Reeves and John Wick 4 director Chad Stahelski dedicate film to the late Lance Reddick: 'We will miss him dearly'
• The Wire creator and stars pay tribute to late actor Lance Reddick: 'You made your mark'