Hugo Awards 1979: Complete list of winners

The 1979 Hugo Awards represented a particularly strong year for science fiction, with winners that would go on to define much of the genre’s conversation in the decades to come. Vonda N. McIntyre’s Dreamsnake took home the Best Novel trophy, cementing her place as a major voice in speculative fiction with its imaginative exploration of medical science and alien worlds. The award, which has been honoring the best in science fiction and fantasy since 1953, continued its tradition of celebrating works that expand the boundaries of what’s possible in human imagination.

That year’s ballot showcased the diversity of shorter forms that make the Hugo Awards so compelling to follow. Poul Anderson’s “Hunter’s Moon” won Best Novelette, while John Varley’s “The Persistence of Vision” claimed the Best Novella category—a remarkable achievement for Varley, who was emerging as one of the field’s most inventive writers. C. J. Cherryh’s “Cassandra” captured the Best Short Story award, adding another accolade to what was becoming a watershed moment for both established and rising talent in science fiction.

Here are all the major category winners from the 1979 Hugo Awards:

Best Novel

• Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McIntyre

Best Novelette

• Hunter’s Moon by Poul Anderson

Best Novella

• The Persistence of Vision by John Varley

Best Short Story

• Cassandra by C. J. Cherryh