Sidney Prize is an award given every year to some of the best examples of long-form journalism and thought. It has been awarded for more than 50 years. It is given by the Hillman Foundation, a left-of-center organization. The foundation was founded in 1946 in honor of Sidney Hillman, president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America labor union, which is a predecessor to Unite Here and Workers United, SEIU. The foundation is led by a board of directors that includes workers and leaders from those two unions as well as left-leaning celebrities like Danny Glover.
The Sydney Prize is awarded annually to the undergraduate student who demonstrates excellence in writing. The work must be written in English and be original. It must also meet certain high standards of integrity. It can be a short story or an essay. The winner receives a cash prize of $500. The winner and runners up are published by Overland magazine.
Applicants must be nominated by the faculty to be considered for this award. The committee will review the submissions and select a winner. The winner of the Sydney Prize will be announced at an awards ceremony each May. The winner will be given a stipend and the opportunity to attend the award ceremony.
In addition to honoring scientists who make groundbreaking discoveries, the Sydney Prize is also meant to promote science. It recognizes writers who have taken the time to write about scientific topics that impact public life. New York Times columnist David Brooks has bestowed the prize since 2004. He once gave a prize to Amanda Hess for her piece on online sexism. Another Sydney Prize winner was Ed Yong, who wrote for The Atlantic.
Awarded each month, the Sidney Prize is given for outstanding socially-conscious journalism that fosters economic and social justice. It is named in honor of the late Hillman Foundation founder, who fought for a better America and a progressive industrial democracy. The Hillman Foundation was created in 1946 and continues his legacy today.
The 2024 Sidney Hillman Prize was given to Philippe Sands KC for his work addressing a variety of social and environmental issues. He is a tireless worker on behalf of the disenfranchised. He has used the law to help those without money or power secure their basic civil and human rights, address the legacies of colonialism, and protect the global environment. The Hillman Foundation is proud to honor his lifetime of service with this award. The winner received a $5,000 prize. Runners up received $750 each. The award was presented by the Hillman Foundation at a gala in May.