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About the Hugo Award

The Hugo Awards are the longest-running science fiction and fantasy awards, first presented in 1953 and named after Hugo Gernsback, founder of the first science fiction magazine. They are voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon).

Unlike many literary awards, the Hugos are fan-voted, making them a reflection of what the SF/F community values. Categories include Best Novel, Best Novella, Best Novelette, Best Short Story, and many others covering related works.

Categories

  • Best Novel - 40,000+ words
  • Best Novella - 17,500-40,000 words
  • Best Novelette - 7,500-17,500 words
  • Best Short Story - Under 7,500 words
  • Best Series - For ongoing series
  • Astounding Award - Best New Writer (past 2 years)

How to Vote

You must be a member of the current or previous year's Worldcon to nominate and vote. Supporting memberships (without attending) are available and grant voting rights. The nomination period runs January-March, with final voting in summer.

Recent Hugo Award Winners - Best Novel

YearTitleAuthor
2024Some Desperate GloryEmily Tesh
2023Nettle & BoneT. Kingfisher
2022A Desolation Called PeaceArkady Martine
2021Network EffectMartha Wells
2020A Memory Called EmpireArkady Martine
2019The Calculating StarsMary Robinette Kowal
2018The Stone SkyN.K. Jemisin
2017The Obelisk GateN.K. Jemisin
2016The Fifth SeasonN.K. Jemisin

Quick Facts

PrizeTrophy (rocket ship)
FrequencyAnnual
First Awarded1953
GenreScience Fiction/Fantasy
Voted ByWorldcon Members
Self-PublishedAccepted