The VES Award for Creative Excellence, bestowed by the VES Board of Directors, recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the art and science of the visual effects industry by uniquely and consistently creating compelling and creative imagery in service to story. The Society will honor William Shatner, an Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning talent, for his exceptional work in the epic Star Trek film and television franchise, crafting an indelible cinematic legacy that continues to touch new generations of filmmakers, creatives and audiences.

“William Shatner has been at the center point of compelling stories that use visual effects to enhance unforgettable storytelling for decades, and his work has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape,” said Nancy Ward, VES Executive Director.  “With his portrayal of Captain Kirk, Shatner is the originator of one of the most iconic science fiction characters in history and has boldly taken audiences to the final frontier.  We are thrilled to honor William Shatner with the VES Award for Creative Excellence!”

About William Shatner

William Shatner has cultivated a career spanning over 70 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist and horseman.  He is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures and a major philanthropist. He has won Emmys and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer “Denny Crane” on both The Practice and Boston Legal. He has received four additional Emmy nominations, as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods.

In 1966, Shatner originated the role of “Captain James T. Kirk” in the legendary science fiction television series Star Trek: The Original Series and returned as Captain Kirk in seven of the Star Trek movies. Mr. Shatner is currently the host and executive producer of The UnXplained on The History Channel and has authored nearly 30 best-sellers in both the fiction and non-fiction genres. Mr. Shatner’s passion for music has resulted in ten albums from the Spoken Word, The Blues, Country and Alternative genres.  He has been awarded stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Shatner continues to act, write, produce and direct while still making time to work with charities and further his passion in equestrian sports.

Previous recipients of the VES Award for Creative Excellence include acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, award-winning creators-executive producers-writers-directors David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, acclaimed Visual Effects Supervisor Sheena Duggal and award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor and Director of Photography Robert Legato, ASC.