What’s unique about the Locus Awards?
The Locus Awards were founded by Locus founder Charles N. Brown in 1971, to recognize excellence in science fiction and fantasy literature and works. The awards are presented to winners of the Locus magazine annual readers’ poll, at a live awards banquet. In addition to more standard categories, the awards include a category to honor debut authors, in keeping with the Locus Science Fiction Foundation’s mission to celebrate new voices in genre. The LSFF also confers a special award for community development upon organizations or individuals who boost marginalized voices or contribute to the genre community in ways that might otherwise go unrecognized. Further, the Locus Awards are unique in explicitly honoring publishers of winning works with certificates.
How are the Locus Awards regarded?
Well, we’re partial of course, but we’re told the awards are among the best-regarded in the field, holding their own with industry standards like the Nebula and Hugo Awards and conferring great prestige upon nominees and winners.
Who decides who wins?
You do! While most genre awards do require professional affiliations, event memberships, or other hurdles before voting, the Locus readers’ poll is open to all. Subscriber votes count double. This voting process allows all readers to have a voice, while still honoring the dedication and support of the well-read subscriber base. All voting results are published annually in the magazine in an open and democratic process — you can see every step of the way!
About the Locus Awards Weekend
The Locus Awards Weekend has evolved from a small event into a full-fledged literary conference consisting of author readings, writing workshops, panels on literary and industry topics, and autographing sessions, and of course the centerpiece, the presentation of the Locus Awards. Since 2006, the Locus Awards Weekend has served as a lodestone event for a growing community of new and experienced writers, readers, fans, artists, publishing professionals, and other genre supporters, serving a diverse community of authors, publishers, readers, and fans. Past workshop instructors have included Stephen Graham Jones, Amal El-Mohtar, Yoon Ha Lee, Charlie Jane Anders, Gail Carriger, Kim Stanley Robinson, and of course weekend headliner Connie Willis.
How geeky is the banquet?
It’s pretty geeky, we have some fun. For many years, attendees dressed in Hawaiian shirts to honor founder Charles N. Brown and his personal style, a tradition started by Ursula K. Le Guin and a few others in the early days of the award. Now the dress code simply encourages attendees to embrace their weird in whatever way suits them best. The awards ceremony is known for being a bit goofy in comparison to the red carpet standard, for example a 2018 attendee notably wore an inflatable dinosaur costume. However, there is no official dress code and attendees may dress however they choose, so whether or not you wish to attend as a T-rex is up to you. In recent years, geeky SFnal attire of any kind is especially encouraged, with rocket and alien and starry themes well-prized.
Words of support
“Locus Magazine is the home-town newspaper for the science fiction community, which is a community that in this century has become one of the great centers (a locus, you might say) of all the world’s cultures. As such, Locus plays a crucial role for a growing group of futurists and dreamers whose efforts help all humanity to envision the future. When this group gathers during the Locus Award Weekends the atmosphere is electric, even as it retains its traditionally casual and fun-loving vibe. It’s one of the great events in the annual cycle of sf conventions.” –Kim Stanley Robinson
Past Locus Awards Weekend event coverage:
2023 Locus Awards Weekend Report
2022 Locus Awards Weekend Report
2021 Locus Awards Weekend Report
2020 Locus Awards Weekend Report
2019 Locus Awards Weekend Report
2018 Locus Awards Weekend Report
Diversity Statement
We support diversity and encourage people of color, women, people with disabilities, people of all ages, people of any sexual orientation, people of any gender identity or expression, size, nationality, religion, culture, education level, and self-identification to attend. We want everyone to have a great time. Locus Science Fiction Foundation Code of Conduct & Policy on Harassment in Locus Venues