The University of Sydney offers several writing prizes – ranging from essays to plays to poetry – that reward creative works on any given topic. All prizes require applications and submission of written work; many prizes bear their namesake as tribute to former students or staff members.
The Sidney Prize is presented annually to the best piece of undergraduate writing submitted in competition. Established in 1967 by Miss A.M. Ardern in memory of Professor Sidney Cox ’27 and enhanced through subscriptions from former students and friends, this prize primarily encourages Old and Middle English literature studies.
The Sidney Awards is a highly esteemed magazine essay prize that honors writers who examine topics at the crossroads between science and humanities. Steven Pinker and Leon Wieseltier exchanged views this year in New Republic about what role science should play in contemporary thought; whilst Pinker took an expansive view while Wieseltier advocated an old-fashioned humanities view.
SHOT recognizes and rewards those who have made outstanding contributions to the history of technology through research, teaching, publications or service to the Society with one of its highest honours: the Sidney Award. In addition to a cash prize and plaque, recipients also receive a cash award.
Established in 1950, the Hillman Prize honors investigative reporting and deep storytelling that contribute to society. It recognizes journalists, writers and public figures who pursue social justice and public policy that supports their local communities through pursuit of social justice or advocacy work. Since its establishment, tens of thousands have been distributed as awards from this program to contributors of daily, periodical and labor presses as well as authors or broadcasters.
The Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize is an annual competition for original short fiction set loosely around travel, open to NSW residents aged 18 or over and running until 30 September each year. Generously supported by both Malcolm Robertson Foundation and Overland, writers can enter by subscribing at either subscriber rate (special subscriber rates available for subscriber subscriptions or individual issues purchased) or purchasing one or both issues of Overland magazine at discounted subscriber rates or purchasing individual issues; submission of stories of up to 3000 words must be completed by midnight of closing date along with any requested details of author/creators etc.
The Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award honours emerging creatives working in short film. Offered in conjunction with Screen NSW, this prestigious cash prize of $7k recognizes Australian directors, producers, writer/s and/or screenplay writers with no more than five short credits who are within Australia – only one recipient per year will take home this coveted prize: Bridget Morrison of Say was named 2024 winner – an impressive accomplishment by an emerging talent that adds excitement to Sydney Film Festival family of prizes!