The Hugo Awards


Given every year to celebrate the best of science fiction in a variety of categories, the Hugo Awards are presented at a ceremony at the annual World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). The 2008 Awards were presented at the Worldcon held in Denver, Colorado on August 9, 2008. The 2009 Hugos will be presented at the Worldcon to be held in Montreal, Canada August 6-10, 2009. The sponsor of both the Worldcons and the Hugo Awards is the World Science Fiction Society. Hugo Awards have been given every year since 1955 and are considered to be the most prestigious given in the science fiction genre.

The process for nomination and receipt of a Hugo is the same each year. During January to March, each member of Worldcon can nominate people or works of science fiction in any or all of the fifteen categories. In a typical nominating season some 500 members nominate their favorites. Then, in April a shortlist ballot is mailed to all members with the top five finalists in each category. With about one thousand ballots being returned each year, the balloting ceases in July. The ballots are preferential ballots. The member is able to vote in order of preference, or even for "no award" if he/she feels none of those nominated are worthy of the Hugo. If "no award" receives the most votes, none of that category's nominees will win. Finally, at the Worldcon Hugo Ceremony the awards are presented to the winners.