Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, October 18, 2008 - Legendary filmmaker George Lucas made a rare appearance at Spike TV’s “Scream Awards 2008,” the first and only event honoring the best in fantasy, sci-fi, comics and horror, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

The third annual “SCREAM” event featured appearances by the industry’s biggest stars including Kate Beckinsale, Kristen Bell, Rosario Dawson, the cast of “Dexter,” Jon Favreau, the cast of “Hellboy 2: The Golden Army,” Samuel L. Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Stan Lee, Gary Oldman, the Osbournes, Seth Rogen, Winona Ryder, Kevin Smith and Liv Tyler, among many others. The two-hour extravaganza also included musical performances by Grammy Award-winning band Smashing Pumpkins and up-and-coming pop sensation Kerli. “SCREAM 2008″ will premiere on Spike TV on Tuesday, October 21 (9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).

George Lucas shocked and thrilled the audience when he walked out on stage flanked by Stormtroopers to accept the Comic-Con Icon Award at SCREAM 2008. This rare appearance by one of the most iconic and influential filmmakers of all time brought the stunned crowd to its feet.

Additional honors for excellence were bestowed upon actor Sir Anthony Hopkins and filmmakers Tim Burton and Wes Craven. Sir Anthony Hopkins received the Legend Award for his tremendous contributions to films in the SCREAM genres while Wes Craven collected the SCREAM Mastermind Award for his terrifying and iconic work in the world of horror. Tim Burton received the SCREAM IMMORTAL Award for his remarkably unique interpretation of horror and fantasy.

Box office hit and critically acclaimed film, “The Dark Knight” dominated the competition collecting twelve awards including the nights’ most prestigious award, The Ultimate Scream accepted by the films’ producers, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan. “The Dark Knight” co-stars Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Gary Oldman each scored awards, as Bale took home Best Superhero and Oldman Best Supporting Actor, while Ledger was named both Best Fantasy Actor and Best Villain for his portrayal of the Joker. Director Christopher Nolan scored the Best Director trophy and the Best Screamplay, along with Jonathon Nolan and David S. Goyer.

“Iron Man” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” each took home two awards. “Iron Man” star Robert Downey, Jr. accepted the Best Actor in a Science Fiction Movie or TV Show award from the set of his new film “Sherlock Holmes” in London with Director Guy Ritchie making a surprise cameo appearance.

Spike TV also debuted world premiere and exclusive never-before-seen footage from several highly anticipated theatrical releases including “Watchmen,” “Friday The 13th” and “Twilight.” “Watchmen,” directed by “300’s” Zack Snyder, hits theaters March 6, 2009, while the updated cult classic “Friday The 13th” starring Jason Padalecki (”Supernatural”) and directed by Marcus Nispel (”Pathfinder”), comes to theaters Friday, February 13th. “Twilight,” directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Cam Gigandet comes to theaters November 21st.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have the support of the creative community behind the fantasy, science fiction, horror and comic book genres,” said senior vice president of event production for Spike TV and SCREAM 2008 executive producer Casey Patterson. “We’re thrilled to honor the unbelievably imaginative films, television and comics of the year and beyond, from the twisted to the fantastical. This is what makes SCREAM an experience like no other for the most passionate fan base in the world. ”

Smashing Pumpkins brought down the house with an earth-shattering rendition of their new single and the #1 most added song on Modern Rock Radio “G.L.O.W.,” while Island Records recording artist Kerli energized the crowd with her performance of “Walking on Air.”