Science-fiction writer and Canadian icon Robert J. Sawyer has been recognized once again for his contributions to science fiction literature and arts and culture. Called the “Dean of Canadian Science Fiction” by The Ottawa Citizen, Sawyer has had numerous successes in his writing career including being the only Canadian to win all three major science fiction awards for best novel of the year: the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. Now, he has one more accolade to add to his list.
On Friday, April 28, 2023, Sawyer received the L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement Award in conjunction with the 39th Annual Writers and Illustrators of the Future contest ceremony held at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, California.
The writers who have previously won this award represent a Who’s Who of science fiction: Gregory Benford, Algis Budrys, Orson Scott Card, Anne McCaffrey, Larry Niven, Frederik Pohl, Jerry Pournelle, Mike Resnick, Robert Silverberg, and Jack Williamson.
Emily Goodwin, Vice President of Public Affairs for Author Services, Inc., served as event producer and she presented the award to Rob, who has penned such science-fiction classics as Hominids, Quantum Night, and The Oppenheimer Alternative.
L. Ron Hubbard was one of the founders of modern science fiction, and his short stories were a mainstay of the classic SF pulp magazines, including the famed Astounding Science Fiction (still published today as Analog Science Fiction and Fact). The Writers of the Future contest, now in its 40th year, was founded by him to encourage new authors of science fiction and fantasy. Rob has served as a judge for the contest since 2005.
During his acceptance speech, Sawyer said, “Thank you all so very much! Although I entered this contest when I was starting out, I’ve only ever been on the stage here at the L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers and Illustrators of the Future Gala as a presenter, never an award recipient. I am thrilled to have finally made it! I thank John Goodwin, Emily Goodwin, Joni Labaqui, and everyone else at Author Services, Inc. from the bottom of my heart—which is beating awfully fast right now!”
Robert J. Sawyer is a Canadian science-fiction author with twenty-five novels and three short-story collections to his name. He is the bestselling author of FlashForward, which was adapted as an ABC TV series, and he wrote the script for the series finale of the web series Star Trek Continues. As a futurist, he’s consulted with NASA, spoken at Google’s headquarters, and advised Canada’s federal Department of Justice.
Receiving a lifetime-achievement award would truly be a great accomplishment for anyone, but this is Sawyer’s fourth such award. He’s previously received lifetime achievement awards from the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association, the Mississauga Arts Council, and the Baltimore Science Fiction Society in conjunction with the estate of science-fiction grandmaster Robert A. Heinlein.The L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement Award is a wonderful addition that only emphasizes Sawyer’s dedication to the literary world of science fiction.
Rob is available for interviews and appearances. For media appearances, interviews, and/or book review requests please contact mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com by email or by phone at 403.464.6925
The Robert J. Sawyer web site: sfwriter.com
