The Sydney Prize is a monthly award administered by the Hillman Foundation that honors socially conscious journalism that fosters social and economic justice. Established to recognize Sidney Hillman, president of Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America and an advocate for a progressive industrial democracy. Journalists who pursue investigative reporting or deep storytelling for public good may qualify to win this monetary prize, while activism on behalf of grantees may also receive financial awards from this left-leaning organization.
Sydney Prize is open to any journalist publishing original journalism in a newspaper, magazine or online publication each month. Nominations close at midnight of each month; anyone may submit articles or essays and they are evaluated by a panel of journalists and academics before winners are announced on the second Wednesday.
Longform journalism and thought pieces remain effective tools for informing, inspiring and provocating readers in today’s environment of short attention spans and clickbait headlines. George Packer’s 2024 Sydney Prize winning essay, “The Quiet German,” offers an insightful study of one of history’s most powerful leaders: Angela Merkel. Packer’s lucid yet poetic piece gives insight into this phenomenal politician while simultaneously celebrating their pragmatism as she uses strength with compassion to achieve great things.
For a comprehensive overview of our selection process, please view our submission guidelines. All entries must have been published during the current calendar year and submitted through our submission form on Sydney Prize website. Entries will then be considered for publication in Overland Magazine as well as being considered for consideration for Neilma Sidney Prize consideration.
As part of our competition rules, we ask contestants to identify themselves if their entry addresses or addresses an underrepresented or vulnerable identity. Our judges and editors want to be sure they can assess your piece accurately. Your responses won’t be visible externally until requested after reviewing your submission.
SFCU is proud to sponsor this award, which honours an exceptional journalist, writer or editor who explores Australian community and culture through film, TV, radio or podcasts. Thanks to SFCU members’ point-of-sale transactions and debit/credit purchases, this prize has been made possible – this year’s winner will be honoured at the Sydney Film Festival Gala Dinner!
Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award recipients receive the festival’s mesmeric swirl award designed and handmade in Sydney by Dinosaur Designs. Additionally, winners receive a cash prize of $30,000 as well as mentoring from some of Australia’s most acclaimed film creatives and will also be showcased during this year’s Sydney International Film Festival. Event Cinemas and The Sydney Daily Telegraph support this initiative together known as Sydney UNESCO City of Film Rising Talent Award.