Introduction

WSFS: The World Science Fiction Society

WSFS is an unincorporated society which sponsors the annual World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and the Hugo Awards. WSFS is really just a framework for the individual Worldcons — it has no officers and no permanent organization (other than the Mark Protection Committee, which is responsible for registering and defending WSFS’s trademarks.)

The Hugo Awards, given annually since 1955, are science fiction’s most prestigious award. The Hugos are voted on by the thousands of members of the current Worldcon which is also responsible for administering them.

The Hugo process is as follows:

1. During January-March each year members of the Worldcon are each allowed to nominate up to five people or works from the previous year in fifteen categories. Typically 500+ people nominate.
2. In early April a shortlist is announced of five finalists in each category. The ballot is mailed to all members of the Worldcon that year.
3. Typically around a thousand members cast their final ballot, with balloting ending around sometime in July (it depends on exactly when Worldcon is that year.) The ballot is a preferential ballot which allows the voters to rank all nominees.
4. At Worldcon the winners are announced at the Hugo Ceremony and receive a special trophy.

We have a lot more information about the Hugos at our FAQ.