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If Star Trek’s worth could be measured by its dedicated fanbase alone, it would stand as an immovable force in the cultural landscape. What began as a humble television series has evolved into a sprawling media empire, encompassing multiple sci-fi series, a string of feature-length films, and a legacy of cosplay and references in other works of entertainment.
Central to the Star Trek universe are the feature films released between 1979 and 1989, which, while not universally acclaimed, offered audiences an enjoyable and adventurous journey through space. Despite their popularity among fans, these films often found themselves overlooked when it came to industry praise and awards recognition.
William Shatner, the iconic actor who portrayed Captain Kirk, recently reflected on this aspect of the franchise’s history. In an interview with IndieWire, Shatner expressed a desire for the Star Trek films to have received greater recognition, particularly in terms of awards like the Oscars.
“I would love to have gotten an Oscar,” Shatner remarked. “There were some terrific Star Trek movies that didn’t get acknowledged. The excuse was always that science fiction doesn’t get taken seriously. I don’t dwell on those things.”
While Shatner did make a memorable appearance at the 86th Oscars in 2013, appearing via video recording in his full Starfleet uniform as Captain Kirk, he acknowledged that such moments were not quite the same as receiving an Oscar himself.
Despite the past oversights, the possibility of a future Star Trek film earning industry accolades is not entirely out of reach. As the franchise continues to evolve and captivate audiences with its timeless themes and compelling storytelling, there remains potential for Star Trek to boldly go where it has never gone before in terms of awards recognition.