Astria Award

《Foundation》

Foundation, adapted from Isaac Asimov's award-winning novel of the same name, is a sci-fi adventure series that premiered in 2021. Set against the backdrop of the Galactic Empire's decline, the story follows a group of exiles led by Hari Seldon as they journey to the galaxy's edge to establish the Foundation. Charged with the monumental mission of saving humanity and rebuilding civilization, they clash with the Empire's ruling class during their odyssey, ultimately embarking on a grand cosmic saga.

Connotation and Impact

Set against the backdrop of the Galactic Empire's decline, the series follows the story of mathematical genius Hari Seldon establishing the "Foundation" to preserve humanity's cultural legacy. It explores profound themes including the rise and fall of civilizations, the interplay between technology and human nature, and the tension between destiny and choice. The show's portrayal of the Galactic Empire's decay and the new civilization's desperate struggle for survival mirrors the cyclical patterns of human societal development, highlighting the resilience of civilizations through their cycles of prosperity and decline. The clashes between different planets, races, and factions reveal the complexity of human nature when confronted with power, interests, and beliefs—some sacrifice themselves for ideals, while others are consumed by desires. 

Science fiction fans are raving about its vast universe, imaginative settings, and stunning special effects—like the realistic interstellar voyages and grand planetary vistas. The meticulous details of the Empire's palaces and base cities transport viewers to a futuristic galaxy. 

The series explores cutting-edge themes like cosmic civilizations and the rise and fall of technology. Through advanced techniques such as CG effects and motion capture, it brings imaginative visuals to life, immersing viewers in the magic of sci-fi. More than just a visual spectacle, it delves into profound reflections on science, humanity, and society, continually inspiring audiences to explore the boundless possibilities of the future.

Astria Award Nomination

Astria Best Production Design — Rory Cheyne and the Art Department

Jury citation: A practical‑first epic that unifies large‑format builds with on‑location geology across Iceland, the Canary Islands, Malta and Ireland. Season 2’s Helicon and other worlds demonstrate a coherent terrain–architecture grammar that remains shootable and instantly readable on screen.

Astria Best Costume Design in Television — Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh (Season 1); Jane Petrie (Season 2)

Jury citation: A two‑season wardrobe system encoding class, empire, religion and technological phase into silhouette, fabric and finish. Season 1 establishes imperial triptych, traders and scholars; Season 2 evolves ritual formality into broader regional functionality while keeping character motion and camera legibility paramount.

Astria Best Visual Effects — Production VFX Supervision: Chris MacLean

Jury citation: Physical plausibility at scale: asset coherence, lighting continuity and invisible extensions sit beside marquee sequences (vault, spacers, collapses). The pipeline prioritizes real light fields and consistent materials so spectacle advances, rather than overwhelms, story.

Astria Best Sound Design & Mixing — Sound Department (Supervising Sound Editor/Designer: Tyler Whitham)

Jury citation: An iconic lexicon for unseen technology—sandograms, force fields, long‑range weapons and megastructures—staged for positional clarity with dialogue intelligibility preserved under extreme dynamics.

Astria Best Original Score — Bear McCreary (Seasons 1–2)

Jury citation: A motif network that counterpoints “mathematical rationality” with orchestral/emotional breadth. The score scales the saga’s imperial weight and scientific inquiry while providing clear wayfinding at character decision points.