The 2024 Hugo Awards, the most prestigious honors in the world of science fiction and fantasy, were announced in a ceremony that celebrated the genre’s finest contributions over the past year. The awards, voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), highlight the best novels, stories, and media in the speculative fiction field.
Best Novel went to Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh, a captivating work published by Tordotcom. Tesh’s novel, a tale of ambition and the price of power, has resonated with readers for its intricate world-building and deeply human characters.
In the Best Novella category, T. Kingfisher‘s Thornhedge took top honors. Kingfisher, known for her lyrical prose and darkly whimsical storytelling, enchanted readers with this tale that reimagines familiar fairy tales with a modern twist.
Naomi Kritzer made history by winning both the Best Novelette and Best Short Story categories. Her novelette, “The Year Without Sunshine,” published in Uncanny Magazine (November-December 2023), and her short story, “Better Living Through Algorithms,” from Clarkesworld (May 2023), captivated voters with their thought-provoking explorations of technology and its impact on society.
Best Series was awarded to Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch, a series that has been lauded for its innovative narrative structure and exploration of identity. Leckie’s work has previously won the Hugo Award, and this recognition underscores the lasting impact of her universe on the genre.
In the Best Graphic Story or Comic category, Saga, Vol. 11 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples continued its dominance in the comic book world. The series, known for its complex characters and epic storytelling, remains a fan favorite.
Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith’s A City on Mars took home the Best Related Work award, recognized for its insightful and entertaining examination of the challenges and possibilities of space colonization.
The Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book was awarded to Moniquill Blackgoose for To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, a powerful and original story that has resonated with young readers.
Finally, the Astounding Award for Best New Writer went to Xiran Jay Zhao, whose work has quickly made a significant impact in the genre. This award, sponsored by Dell Magazines, celebrates emerging talent in science fiction and fantasy.
The complete list of 2024’s winners is below:
List of 2024 Hugo Award Winners
Best Novel: Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
Best Novella: Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Best Novelette: “The Year Without Sunshine” by Naomi Kritzer
Best Short Story: “Better Living Through Algorithms” by Naomi Kritzer
Best Series: Imperial Radch by Ann Leckie
Best Graphic Story or Comic: Saga, Vol. 11 written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Fiona Staples
Best Related Work: A City on Mars by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith
Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, screenplay by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein and Michael Gilio, directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: The Last of Us: “Long, Long Time”, written by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, directed by Peter Hoar
Best Game or Interactive Work: Baldur’s Gate 3, produced by Larian Studios
Best Editor, Short Form: Neil Clarke
Best Editor, Long Form: Ruoxi Chen
Best Professional Artist: Rovina Cai
Best Semiprozine: Strange Horizons
Best Fanzine: Nerds of a Feather, Flock Together
Best Fancast: Octothorpe, by John Coxon, Alison Scott, and Liz Batty
Best Fan Writer: Paul Weimer
Best Fan Artist: Laya Rose
Lodestar Award for Best YA Book: To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
Astounding Award for Best New Writer: Xiran Jay Zhao
This year’s Hugo Awards continue to showcase the richness and diversity of speculative fiction, celebrating both established and new voices in the field. The ceremony was a reminder of the genre’s ability to explore the human condition through imaginative and speculative storytelling, with this year’s winners representing the very best of what science fiction and fantasy have to offer.
For the official announcement, please see the Glasgow 2024 convention website. If you want to see the full list of finalists, please see our earlier 2024 Hugo Award finalists post.