These were all received in 1980 unless noted otherwise.

- Academy Awards -

Won an Oscar for Best Effects: Visual Effects. Nominated for another one under Best Art Direction: Set Decoration.

- Golden Globes -

Alien's composer Jerry Goldsmith was nominated for a Golden Globe under Best Original Score in a Motion Picture.

- Hugo Awards -

Won a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.

- Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films -

Won three Saturn Awards for Best Director, Best Sci-Fi Film, and Best Supporting Actress. Nominated for Best Actress, Best Makeup, Best Special Effects, and Best Writing.

- BAFTA Awards -

Won a BAFTA Film Award for Best Production Design and Best Soundtrack. Nominated for one under Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor, and Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Role. Jerry Goldsmith was also nominated for the Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music.

- British Society of Cinematographers -

In 1979, Alien's Director of Photography Derek Vanlint was nominated for the Best Cinematography Award.

- Grammy Awards -

Jerry Goldsmith was nominated for a Grammy under Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special.