1979 in science fiction

The year 1979 was marked, in science fiction, by the following:

Events

• The first issue of Chinese science fiction magazine Science Fiction World is published
• The 37th annual Worldcon, Seacon '79, is held in Brighton, UK

Births and deaths

Deaths

• Ed Earl Repp

Literary releases

Novels

Further information: Category:1979 science fiction novels

• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy , by Douglas Adams
• Kindred , by Octavia E. Butler
• Shikasta , by Doris Lessing

Comics

• First issue of Starblazer published

Other books

• Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials , by Wayne Barlowe

Movies

Further information: Category:1979 science fiction films

• Alien
• The Black Hole
• The Humanoid
• Mad Max
• Moonraker
• Stalker
• Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Television

• Mobile Suit Gundam

Video games

• Asteroids

Awards

Hugos

• Best novel: Dreamsnake , by Vonda N. McIntyre ^[1]
• Best novella: The Persistence of Vision , by John Varley ^[1]
• Best novelette: "Hunter's Moon", by Poul Anderson ^[1]
• Best short story: " Cassandra", by C. J. Cherryh ^[1]
• Best dramatic presentation: Superman , Directed by Richard Donner; screenplay by Mario Puzo and David Newman and Leslie Newman & Robert Benton; story by Mario Puzo; based on characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster ^[1]
• Best professional editor: Ben Bova ^[1]
• Best professional artist: Vincent Di Fate ^[1]
• Best fanzine: Science Fiction Review, ed. by Richard E. Geis ^[1]
• Best fan writer: Bob Shaw ^[1]
• Best fan artist: William Rotsler ^[1]

Nebulas

• Best novel: The Fountains of Paradise , by Arthur C. Clarke ^[2]
• Best novella: Enemy Mine , by Barry Longyear ^[2]
• Best novelette: " Sandkings" by George R. R. Martin
• Best short story: "giANTS" by Edward Bryant

Other awards

• BSFA Award for Best Novel: The Unlimited Dream Company , by J. G. Ballard
• Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film: Alien

References

1. "1979 Hugo Awards". The Hugo Award. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
2. "1979 Nebula Awards". Nebula Awards. Retrieved 2 November 2025.