First thing's first: Let's all wish Sir Ridley Scott a happy 79th birthday! The four-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker is celebrating more than 50 years in the industry by prepping to release one of his most anticipated films to date: Alien: Covenant. This follow-up to the 2012 Alien prequel Prometheus is expected to skirt closer to the sci-fi/horror franchise that made Scott a household name when it began back in 1979. A new behind-the-scenes image from the current 20th Century Fox production has been released today in celebration of the man behind the movie.

Michael Fassbender returns to reprise his Prometheus role of David the android in Alien: Covenant, and will encounter a new crew of explorers played by Katherine Waterston, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Billy Crudup, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Carmen Ejogo, and Callie Hernandez. Look for Alien: Covenant to descend on May 19, 2017.

Check out the new behind-the-scenes image from Alien: Covenant below:

[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/AlienAnthology/status/804007094873509888[/EMBED_TWITTER]

In related news, the Directors Guild of America announced that Scott will receive the organization's top honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Achievement in Motion Picture Direction. DGA President Paris Barclay said the following:

“Masterful in any genre, Ridley’s groundbreaking methods and peerless directing instincts have brought to life some of the most memorable films of our time, capturing the resilience of the human spirit and captivating the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Stunning visuals, immersive worlds and powerful performances underpin his diverse body of work which ranges from Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise to Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, and, most recently, The Martian. Over the course of four decades, his trailblazing career has demonstrated the impact and importance of the director’s singular vision. For these reasons, and so many more, we are honored to present the Lifetime Achievement Award in feature film to Ridley Scott.”

The award will be presented at the 69th Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

For more on Alien: Covenant, be sure to check out some of our recent write-ups below:

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