11th World Science Fiction Convention

The 11th World Science Fiction Convention, also known as Philcon II, was held in September 1953 at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.[1][2] It was the first Worldcon to present the Hugo Awards. The supporting organization was the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. The guest of honor was Willy Ley.[3][4] The chairman was Milton A. Rothman, replacing the late James A. Williams.[5] Isaac Asimov was toastmaster.[1][6]

Philcon II, the 11th World Science Fiction Convention
The Bellevue Stratford Hotel
Genre	Science fiction
Dates	5–7 September 1953
Venue	Bellevue-Stratford Hotel
Location(s)	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Country	United States
Attendance	750
Filing status	non-profit

Awards

The Hugo Awards, named after Hugo Gernsback, are presented every year for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. The results are based on the ballots submitted by members of the World Science Fiction Society. Other awards, including the Astounding Award for Best New Writer (since 1973; named "John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer" until 2019), are also presented at each year's Worldcon.[7] [8]

The 11th Worldcon was the first one in which Hugo Awards were awarded. The 12th convention did not continue the tradition, but since the 13th convention, Hugo Awards have been a permanent fixture of Worldcons.

Hugo Awards

• Best Novel: The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester [Galaxy January, February, March 1952; Shasta, 1951]
• Best Professional Magazine: (tie)
  • Astounding Science Fiction edited by John W. Campbell, Jr.
  • Galaxy Science Fiction edited by H. L. Gold
• Best Cover Artist: (tie)
  • Hannes Bok
  • Ed Emshwiller
• Best Interior Illustrator: Virgil Finlay
• Excellence in Fact Articles: Willy Ley
• Best New SF Author or Artist: Philip José Farmer
• #1 Fan Personality: Forrest J. Ackerman

References

1. "Journey to Moon Beckons World Science Fiction Meet". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. September 5, 1953. p. 12. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
2. "Fiction Fans Talk Science". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. September 6, 1953. p. 2A. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
3. "Science-Fiction Fans Meet in Philadelphia". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. September 5, 1953. p. 6. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
4. "Space Fans, Scientists To Discuss Trip to Moon". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. September 5, 1953. p. 20. Retrieved March 7, 2011.
5. "James A. Williams". The New York Times. March 24, 1953. p. 31. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
6. "19533 - 11th Worldcon". Notes on the Long List of Worldcons. World Science Fiction Society. Retrieved March 7, 2011.
7. "Hugo Award FAQ". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Retrieved 2018-11-11.
8. "1953 Hugo Awards". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Retrieved March 7, 2011.

See also

• World Science Fiction Society

Preceded by 10th World Science Fiction Convention Chicon II in Chicago, United States (1952)	List of Worldcons 11th World Science Fiction Convention Philcon II in Philadelphia, United States (1953)	Succeeded by 12th World Science Fiction Convention SFCon in San Francisco, United States (1954)