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78th World Science Fiction Convention

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CoNZealand, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention
GenreScience fiction
Dates29 July – 2 August 2020
Venuevirtual / telepresence
Location(s)Wellington (virtual)
CountryNew Zealand
Previous eventDublin 2019
Next eventDisCon III
Websiteconzealand.nz (archived)

The 78th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as CoNZealand, was held from 29 July to 2 August 2020. It was planned to be held at the TSB Arena and Shed 6, Intercontinental Hotel, Michael Fowler Center, in Wellington, New Zealand. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers announced in March 2020 that it would be held as a virtual convention, with no on-site attendance.[1]

Participants

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Guests of Honour

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Awards

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The World Science Fiction Society administers and presents the Hugo Awards,[2] the oldest and most noteworthy award for science fiction. Selection of the recipients is by vote of the Worldcon members. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fandom activities.[2][3]

Other awards may be presented at Worldcon at the discretion of the individual convention committee. This has often included the national SF awards of the host country, such as the Japanese Seiun Awards as part of Nippon 2007,[4] and the Prix Aurora Awards as part of Anticipation in 2009. The Astounding Award for Best New Writer and the Sidewise Award, though not sponsored by the Worldcon, are usually presented, as well as the Chesley Awards, the Prometheus Award, and others.[4]

2020 Hugo Awards

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The winners were:[5]

Other awards

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The winners were:[5]

Site selection

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New Zealand in 2020 was the only bid which officially filed to host the 78th World Science Fiction Convention, and its selection was confirmed by vote of the members of the 76th World Science Fiction Convention in San José.[6][7]

After the vote, the bid announced the name of their convention was CoNZealand, and that it was to be held on 29 July–2 August 2020, in Wellington, New Zealand.[8] The announcement was accompanied by a reveal video announcing the Guests of Honour, and a short message from Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand.[9]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "CoNZealand is going virtual". CoNZealand. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Article 3: Hugo Awards". WSFS Constitution. World Science Fiction Society. 2008. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
  3. ^ Franklin, Jon (30 October 1977). "Star roars: this year's champs in science fiction". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, MD. p. D5. Archived from the original on 8 March 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
  4. ^ a b "Awards". Nippon2007: 65th World Science Fiction Convention. Archived from the original on 2 August 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  5. ^ a b "2020 Hugo Awards Announced". The Hugo Awards. 1 August 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  6. ^ "About Bidding". World Science Fiction Society. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  7. ^ "Worldcon Bids". Worldcon [Official]. World Science Fiction Society. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  8. ^ "CoNZealand". CoNZealand. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  9. ^ CoNZealand (19 August 2018). "Worldcon 2020 Reveal/Announcement". YouTube. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
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Preceded by
77th World Science Fiction Convention
Dublin 2019 in Dublin, Ireland (2019)
List of Worldcons
78th World Science Fiction Convention
CoNZealand in Wellington, New Zealand (2020)
Succeeded by
79th World Science Fiction Convention
Discon III in Washington, D.C., United States (2021)