The Sidney Prize is given monthly to an outstanding piece of journalism which exposes social or economic injustice, in memory of Sidney Hillman. Hillman founded a left-of-center foundation called Sidney Hillman Foundation that awards monetary prizes to journalists who pursue social justice; its name commemorates this legacy with Sidney being honored through an annual prize bearing his name. Critics often accuse this charity of acting as a cover for leftist activism; current leadership includes former Unite Here and Workers United Union president Emeritus Bruce Raynor as well as actor/left-leaning activist Danny Glover as prominent members.
The Hillman Prize is open to journalists working across traditional and new media, such as online platforms. The prize does not specify any one topic or format; instead it seeks “journalistic work that serves the common good.”
As well as awarding its annual Hillman Prize, the foundation also presents two other annual prizes each year: Philip Sidney Ardern Memorial Prize for Old and Middle English studies; and the SHOT Sidney Edelstein Book Award (for books about technology history). On this page you can view links to each winner from 2024 as well as purchase gold or silver Sydney Taylor seals to place on copies of winning titles.
Overland Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize
This international short story prize is open to writers of any level of experience at any stage in their writing careers, from all genres and styles, but must center around travel themes (imaginative, creative or literary interpretations are welcomed). The winning entry receives $5,000 AUD; two runners-up each will be given $750. A panel of judges will select their winner from a shortlist; all entries will then be published in Overland in Autumn 2024.
Please be aware that if your entry highlights or speaks on behalf of any marginalized groups or identities, we ask that you clearly indicate this within your submission to preserve the integrity of our blind judging process and ensure we can give each entry equal consideration and give each one our undivided attention.