At the National Centre RUSSIA, the first All-Russian Literary Science Fiction Award was presented
As part of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future", the first All-Russian Science Fiction Award ceremony was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The total prize fund is four million rubles, and this money will be distributed among the four winners.
"Science fiction is not a newfangled modern fantasy, not entertainment. This is actually very good, and very necessary, and very valuable literature, which performs an important social function and allows people to look beyond the horizon. It inspires faith in the limitless possibilities of man and their mind. I am sure that modern Russian science fiction has the same positive potential. The award that we are presenting today at the National Centre RUSSIA will allow us to discover new names, new talents, and help create new bright works. But the main thing is to help readers, especially young readers, become interested in science and devote their lives to creation, rather than wasting their time on phones," said Vladimir Medinsky, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation.
In addition to the cash prizes, each winner was given a special statuette, which combined images close to the very nature of sci-fi. From one perspective, this is a spaceship, a symbol of daring, scientific search, and movement to the stars. From the other one, it looks like a spinning top toy, an embodiment of the eternal rotation of life, harmony and balance.
"Today we have a real celebration, because this is the first All-Russian Science Fiction Award. Its establishment is a very needed and right step. Firstly, it revives interest in the genre. Secondly, both Russia and the Soviet Union have amazing traditions in science fiction. But the main thing is that this will create a support system for young authors, and will ensure that new books will get to know their readers, and serve as a new impetus for scientific and technical breakthroughs," said Alexei Zharich, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects.
The winners in four nominations are:
— "Piece of Fiction": Roman Afanasyev, "Star Pilot";
— "Visual image": Darya Konopatova, "Stargazer 256";
— "Translation": Tatyana Cherezova, Ray Nayler's book "Mountain in the Sea";
— "Publishing Project": Eurasian Book Agency, space science fiction cycle for high school students.
The prize in the nomination "Publishing Project" was presented by Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
"This is the first literary prize in the field of science fiction, and I thank the Writers' Union of Russia for the joint decision to establish it. Science fiction is, first of all, a dream. On the first day of the Symposium, we talk a lot about how dreams become reality. The book allows us to touch the dream, to hear the living voice of the author. People read books, magazines, and newspapers. Many have said that digital media would soon replace printed media, but this is not the case. The printed book will never disappear, because the world chooses with its heart, which means with love," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA
The Science Fiction Award aims at developing initiatives to design the future and promote this genre of literature. In 2025, works published over the past period are eligible for participation.
The National Centre RUSSIA supports significant cultural initiatives that shape development directions and create new opportunities for the popularization of science fiction in our country.
