The Sidney Prize and the Neilma Sidney Prize
In an age when everything shortens itself, where essays become op-eds and op-eds become blog posts and blog posts become Twitter tweets, the Sidney Prize stands athwart technology, yelling stop. It is awarded to some of the very best examples of long-form journalism and thought.
The prize is named in honor of the late Sidney Cox, a Dartmouth professor of philosophy and classics who had a profound influence on many students both in his classes and out. The Committee, if one may use such a word, has stipulated that any kind of undergraduate writing in English may be submitted for its consideration through one of its Hanover members, and a single anonymous judge of the manuscripts will be appointed yearly; this person will appoint his or her successor for the next year.
Awarded to a writer who demonstrates a passion for travel and the power of story to enlighten and inspire. Open to all writers (located anywhere in the world) with a piece of work that is up to 3000 words long and themed around the notion of travel. Imaginative and creative interpretations are strongly encouraged. The winner will be published in Overland and receive $500, with two runners-up receiving $250 each.
The Neilma Sidney Prize 2024, organised by Overland, seeks outstanding literary fiction of up to 3000 words that explores the idea of ‘travel’. Submissions will be assessed on their originality and the power of narrative to enlighten and inspire.
Each year, the Sydney Peace Prize is awarded to a nominated individual or organisation that promotes “peace with justice”, human rights and non-violence. The winner will be honoured in Sydney in November, with previous winners including Julian Burnside and Noam Chomsky.
The Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award recognises an emerging creative working in short film with a cash prize of $7,000. This is open to film creatives, directors and screenwriters who have no more than five short films credits. The 2024 winner of this prize was Bridget McGuinness. For more information on the competition, click here. This prize is sponsored by Event Cinemas and endorsed by The University of Sydney. It is a recognition of the value of an education that includes an understanding of the wider world, both the challenges and the opportunities that it presents. It is also an acknowledgement of the importance of a commitment to the pursuit of truth and a desire for social and political change. The prize is named in honour of the distinguished American philosopher and Phi Beta Kappa member, Sidney Hook. The National Association of Scholars also offers an award in his name at its national conference to an individual who has made significant contributions to the defense of academic freedom and the integrity of academic life. This award will be announced a year and a half prior to the conference in The Key Reporter, our general newsletter and social media. The prize will be presented at the conference. The National Association of Scholars also offers a number of other awards that are announced in the spring at our Triennial Council Meeting.