We may be entering a new chapter in our very science-factual pandemic, but science fiction will not be ignored. The 2021 Hugo Awards were presented at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C., as part of DisCon III. The ceremony also streamed globally, as is the style of the time. Awarded by the World Science Fiction Convention since 1953, the Hugos are recognized as a big effing deal in the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction. Past winners include Arthur C. Clarke, N.K. Jemisin, and G. Willow Wilson. The award has been at the center of controversies as more diverse voices in fiction come to the front.
This year, Hades won a special category for Best Video Game, only the second time the award has been given. Other awards were given to Netflix’s The Old Guard and the series finale of NBC’s The Good Place. Below is the full list of winners.
Best Novel: Network Effect, Martha Wells
Best Novella: The Empress of Salt and Fortune, Nghi Vo
Best Novelette: Two Truths and a Lie, Sarah Pinsker
Best Short Story: “Metal Like Blood in the Dark,” T. Kingfisher (Uncanny Magazine, September-October 2020)
Best Series: The Murderbot Diaries, Martha Wells
Best Related Work: Beowulf: A New Translation, Maria Dahvana Headley
Best Graphic Story or Comic: Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation, by Octavia Butler, adapted by Damian Duffy, illustrated by John Jennings
Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: The Old Guard
Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: The Good Place, “Whenever You’re Ready”
Best Editor, Short Form: Ellen Datlow
Best Editor, Long Form: Diana M. Pho
Best Professional Artist: Rovina Cai
Best Semiprozine: FIYAH Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction
Best Fanzine: nerds of a feather, flock together
Best Fancast: The Coode Street Podcast
Best Fan Writer: Elsa Sjunneson
Best Fan Artist: Sara Felix
Best Video Game: Hades
