Living Canon

Hugo Awards 1956: Complete list of winners

The 1956 Hugo Awards marked a pivotal moment for science fiction fandom, representing the first time the science fiction community had formalized its annual celebration of excellence in the genre. That inaugural year brought together three giants of speculative fiction, each winning in their respective categories and collectively defining what readers valued most about science fiction in the mid-1950s. Robert A. Heinlein claimed the inaugural Best Novel award for Double Star, a time-travel romp that showcased his skill at combining political intrigue with imaginative premises. The recognition validated not just Heinlein’s work but also the entire enterprise of science fiction as worthy of serious literary consideration.

Beyond Heinlein’s triumph, the 1956 Hugo Awards revealed the depth of talent working in shorter forms. Murray Leinster won Best Novelette for “Exploration Team” (also published as “Combat Team”), while Arthur C. Clarke took Best Short Story honors for “The Star,” a devastating tale that paired hard science with profound philosophical questions about faith and existence. These three winners represented the range that made 1950s science fiction so vital—from Heinlein’s cerebral speculation to Clarke’s lyrical explorations of cosmic themes. Together, they established a template for what the Hugos would celebrate for decades to come, recognizing both commercial appeal and artistic ambition.

Below, you’ll find the complete list of 1956 Hugo Award winners across all categories:

Best Novel

Best Novelette

  • Exploration Team” (alt: “Combat Team”) by Murray Leinster

Best Short Story