Jon Glass / Staff Photographer

In case you’ve never watched Spike TV, the Scream 2008 Awards is cable TV’s homage to all things fantasy, horror and science fiction. This year, Scream paid tribute to some of the most legendary characters and creators of those genres. Breezing by security with press passes along the red carpet was an ultimate experience, especially because it was teeming with celebrities.

Here are some tasty morsels of information I overheard, straight from the stars to you:

Billy Corgan would like you to know that the Smashing Pumpkins’ new record, “G.L.O.W.,” was put out entirely on its own newly acquired recording studio funded with by the Pumpkins’ own resources. Corgan went on to say, “(In this industry), integrity only matters as long as it doesn’t get in the way of selling out.”

Following in the footsteps of artists such as Radiohead and others, it’s nice to see a well-known band take that extra step by going independent to get its music out to its fans.

Gerard Way, co-founder of the band My Chemical Romance and comic book artist, was in attendance to present the award for “Most Anticipated Film” and drum up buzz for his comic book series, “The Umbrella Academy.” Way said he is currently in talks with Universal Studios for a movie based on his series, and that he’d like director Alfonso Cuarón to oversee the project.

Author of “Sin City” and the highly anticipated movie, “The Spirit,” Frank Miller was on hand to discuss this latest cinematic venture. “The Spirit” took three months to film and approximately one year of editing to add all those awesome graphics. Stay tuned; it will be released in theaters on Christmas Day.

“Repo! The Genetic Opera” director Darren Lynn Bousman said he can’t wait for his cinematical baby to be released on Nov. 7. Actress Alexa Vega said of costar Paris Hilton, “She is such a different person from how people think they know her.” Perhaps she’ll show her true colors as well as some acting chops in this new flick.

“Role Models” movie star Seann William Scott was overheard saying his favorite scary movie is “Wolf Creek,” a film based on horrific events that occurred in the Australian outback. Scott went on to say that he finds “real life villains” to be the most terrifying.

Marilyn Manson, on the other hand, was mostly just there for show. Manson said he would love to collaborate with Ne-Yo, but that he has no plans to do so. Not to mention, he looked like a hot mess.

One might assume that a taped awards show would get chaotic with so many crewmembers running around. And during the red carpet segment, it did. However, that was mostly because of the nosy journalists who always have to get in that one last question, and celebrities love to talk about themselves. Once seated inside the lovely Greek Theater, we were treated, along with all the other audience members, to free drinks and popcorn. The audience obviously loved every minute of the show and didn’t seem to care when a presenter misspoke and had to reshoot their lines. The producers of the show made it a joy to watch, incorporating unique entrances for the biggest names. They even flew Tim Burton down to the stage via several large balloons.

The culmination of the evening came as crewmembers passed out glow sticks with the message, “Crack when Samuel L. Jackson begins to speak.” That was technically a misnomer, because the director actually wanted us waving those sticks in the air for surprise attendee George Lucas. Either way, the crowd figured it out and, as they say, the show went on without a hitch.

SCREAM 2008 WINNERS:
THE ULTIMATE SCREAM: “The Dark Knight”
BEST FANTASY MOVIE: “Hellboy II: The Golden Army”
BEST HORROR MOVIE: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
BEST SCIENCE FICTION MOVIE: “Iron Man”
BEST TV SHOW: “Dexter”
BEST SUPERHERO: Christian Bale as Batman, “The Dark Knight”
BEST ACTOR IN A FANTASY MOVIE OR TV SHOW: Heath Ledger as The Joker, “The Dark Knight
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR MOVIE OR TV SHOW: Johnny Depp, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR MOVIE OR TV SHOW: Liv Tyler, “The Strangers”
BEST VILLAIN: Heath Ledger as The Joker, “The Dark Knight”
BEST ACTRESS IN A FANTASY MOVIE OR TV SHOW: Angelina Jolie, “Wanted”
MOST MEMORABLE MUTILATION: Penis Bitten off By Vagina With Teeth, “Teeth”
BEST DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan, “The Dark Knight”
BEST REMAKE: “Halloween”