The sidney prize is awarded each year for the piece of undergraduate writing that most closely meets the high standards of originality and integrity set by the late Sidney Cox in his book, Indirections for Those Who Want to Write. The work may be in any form and does not need to have been written for a class. The prize honors the memory of a great teacher and his deep concern for the welfare of students. The prize is named for the late professor of English who was also a writer and a tireless advocate of academic freedom.
The annual Hillman Prizes have honored investigative journalism and deep storytelling in service of the common good since 1950. The prize has been awarded to contributors in the daily, periodical, and labor press and to authors and broadcasters.
Each month, the Sidney Award honors an outstanding piece of socially conscious journalism that demonstrates reportorial excellence and a commitment to fostering social justice. Nominations are open to journalists and subjects globally, although the work must be intended for and accessible to a U.S audience. The winner receives a $500 honorarium, a certificate designed by New Yorker cartoonist Edward Sorel, and a bottle of union made wine.
Sidney Taylor Book Award
In a story of courage, forgiveness and resilience, the 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Award has been awarded to the inspiring memoir, The Girl Who Saved My Life by Nadja Lindenfeld. In a world where so many young women are facing sexual assault and mental health challenges, this empowering story reminds us that even the most broken of hearts can be transformed.
Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize
The 2024 Neilma Sidney short story prize, organized by Overland, an Australian literary and cultural magazine, seeks excellent short fiction of up to 3000 words that are themed loosely around the notion of ‘travel’; imaginative, creative and literary interpretations are strongly encouraged. The winner will be awarded $5000 and their story will appear in Overland, with two runners up receiving $1000 each.
Mercer University’s Spencer B. King Jr. Center for Southern Studies has awarded the 2024 Thomas Robinson Prize for Southern Literature to Rita Dove. Dove’s new novel, The Book of Jacob, is a powerful account of a family divided by race and religion as they prepare for the arrival of a son in their home town of Savannah.
2024 Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award
This year, the Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award will recognize an emerging NSW-based film creative whose work stands out for its innovation, imagination and impact in the field of short films. Each winner will be presented with a mesmeric swirl award, designed and handmade in Sydney by Dinosaur Designs. Find out more here.