Spike TV’s Scream Awards were held this year in Unversal City. The gathering is dedicated to the horror, science fiction and fantasy genres of feature films, television and comic books. Quirky categories and big stars are the awards’ calling cards, like the ultimate scream award won by “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” and the most anticipated award, won this year by the upcoming film “The Dark Knight Rises.” On hand to accept that honor were three of the film’s stars, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anne Hathaway and Gary Oldman. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Dr. Who” actor Matt Smith takes the stage to accept the sci-fi actor award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
Darth Vader accepts the ultimate villain award from “Star Wars” creator George Lucas. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Let Me In” actress Chloe Grace Moretz accepts the horror movie award on behalf of the film. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Super 8” director J.J. Abrams points to “strong” presenter Zoe Saldana as he accepts the sci-fi movie award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
John Cho and Kal Penn flank actress June Foray as she accepts the Comic-Con icon award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Ghost Rider” actor Nicolas Cage addresses the audience after receiving the maverick award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Playboy Club” actress Amber Heard introduces the supporting actor award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“True Blood” cast member Joe Manganiello accepts the male breakout performance award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Iron Man” and “Sherlock Holmes” actor Robert Downey Jr. drinks in the applause as he accepts the hero award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
Crowd members hold up posters of hero award recipient Robert Downey Jr.(Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
Paul Reubens arrives via bicycle on water to receive the visionary award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
A dancer contorts while inside a floating ball. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Limitless” actor Bradley Cooper holds aloft the film’s thriller award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
Two stars of HBO‘s drama “The Game of Thrones,” Sean Bean and Lena Headey, were on hand to accept the TV show award given to the cable ensemble. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
A video image of a character from the film “Piranha 3D” emerges from the water to accept the most memorable mutilation award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“Underworld” actress Kate Beckinsale is ready for her close-up. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
Actor Dylan McDermott was among the presenters onstage. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
“The Thing” actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead presents an award. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
