This prize, established to commemorate Sidney Howard’s memory and dedication to theatre ideals, recognizes an outstanding work that may have faltered on Broadway but shows great promise of future success. Previous recipients have included Robert Ardrey and Tennessee Williams.
2024 winner Elizabeth Spencer’s novel “Firebirds” explores the complex intersection between race and family in Southern culture. The committee noted her fearlessness in writing about sensitive subjects while mastering technique while telling this important tale. Dr. David A. Davis, chair of Lanier Selection Committee and professor of English at Mercer University lauded Spencer for probing into obstacles which threaten human decency with such delicate narrative that “probes and reveals obstacles which challenge human decency”.
Since its founding in 1950, the Sidney Hillman Foundation has supported journalism that serves the public good. Starting with prizes for daily newspapers and later adding photojournalism and opinion and analysis awards–most recently the SEIU Award for Reporting Racial and Economic Justice–it has consistently recognized those who take risks to discover truth and view long-term benefits where others only see short-term obstacles.
As part of its mission to shed light on the great issues of our time–ranging from finding an enduring peace process, improving housing, health care and employment security needs and fighting for civil liberties and democracy–we at the Foundation are particularly committed to supporting work which sheds light on those most at risk among us. Journalists and writers who aim for a better world through exploring its most difficult questions will continue to find support from us at the Foundation.
The Overland Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize is open to writers nationwide and internationally of any stage or genre or form, from any genre or discipline. The winning entry will receive $5,000 AUD while two runners-up will also be published by Overland magazine. Our judges Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh have selected eight pieces for consideration and would like to thank all entrants for their work ***