78th World Science Fiction Convention
The 78th World Science Fiction Convention, 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.
Participants
Guests of Honour
- Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon
- Greg Broadmore
- Rose Mitchell
- George R. R. Martin
Awards
2020 Hugo Awards
The winners were:- Best Novel: A Memory Called Empire, by Arkady Martine
- Best Novella: This Is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
- Best Novelette: "Emergency Skin", by N. K. Jemisin
- Best Short Story: "As the Last I May Know", by S. L. Huang
- Best Series: The Expanse, by James S. A. Corey
- Best Related Work: "2019 John W. Campbell Award Acceptance Speech", by Jeannette Ng
- Best Graphic Story: LaGuardia, written by Nnedi Okorafor, art by Tana Ford, colours by James Devlin
- Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: Good Omens, written by Neil Gaiman, directed by Douglas Mackinnon
- Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: The Good Place: "The Answer", written by Daniel Schofield, directed by Valeria Migliassi Collins
- Best Professional Editor, Long Form: Navah Wolfe
- Best Professional Editor, Short Form: Ellen Datlow
- Best Professional Artist: John Picacio
- Best Semiprozine: Uncanny Magazine
- Best Fanzine: The Book Smugglers
- Best Fancast: Our Opinions Are Correct, presented by Annalee Newitz and Charlie Jane Anders
- Best Fan Writer: Bogi Takács
- Best Fan Artist: Elise Matthesen
Other awards
The winners were:- Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book: Catfishing on CatNet, by Naomi Kritzer
- Astounding Award for Best New Writer: R. F. Kuang
Site selection
New Zealand in 2020 was the only bid that 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.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. 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.