Now that the 2019 Hugo Awards have been given out (which I, unfortunately, was relegated to watching from the U.S., not in person), I’ve had a chance to think them over a bit, and a few facts have become clear. Some of these may seem controversial; let it be said that I’m not trying to be. I’m just stating facts.
First and most obviously, this is the fourth year in a row that women writers have swept the “writing awards,” i.e., Best Novel, Best Novelette, Best Novella, Best Short Story. Two aspects of this stand out in particular: One, it’s been four years since the Sad Puppies tried to impose their will on the voting process. Plainly, what they wanted hasn’t come to pass. Two, not only have the winners all been women, but the overwhelming majority of nominees have been women.
Obviously, I have some interest in the Hugos; I’d like to win one myself some day. But (he admitted guiltily), I don’t have the time to read most of the nominees, particularly in the longer categories. (I do read for the Nebulas, which brought some of the Hugo nominees into my orbit, and I was actually rooting for one of the Hugo winners.) Therefore, I am not qualified to comment on this trend, except to say that I wish I had more time to read.
Second, although many people cheered loudly at the Campbell Award winner’s speech, John W. Campbell won the Retro Hugo for Best Editor. Does this mean people are willing to admit he was a good editor despite other qualities which we find problematic today? Or do different people vote for the different awards? Or did the Russians hack the voting?
Finally, the winners actually dressed the part. I once attended a Hugo ceremony dressed in a sport coat and tie. A volunteer asked me if I was a nominee. I replied–and I’m so proud of myself–“Not yet.” But seriously, it’s an awards ceremony. And while I don’t expect every fan in the audience to dress up, I expect the nominees should make an effort to look the part. It’s a professional event, folks.* #Hugodresscode
And this year they did. The nominees took the time to look as if they cared that they were nominated for the highest fan award in their field. It raised the entire event to a new level, and I was proud to see it.
I’d be even prouder to be there, hoping to climb onto that stage after they read my name. And if I ever am, you can bet I’ll be wearing a tie.** It may have Snoopy on it…
*I have not noticed this problem at the Nebula Awards, but then, it’s a banquet.
**I may not, however, be wearing pants. It would make my wife’s day if I accepted a Hugo wearing a kilt.
#SFWApro
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