Writing Awards Novels & Stories

most of the guests shouted, accompanied by another clap. Soon, the award session started. The awardees were called onto the stage one after the other. They started from the start-up companies, and soon it was the big companies’ turn. The following awards for the companies were: the Leading Business Award, which is the biggest of all; the Spotlight Business Award; and the Fast Growing Business Award.

Hector gives a brief introduction for each person, submitted by whoever nominated them for the award, then the winner walks up to the podium to collect their engraved glass trophy, which is an intricate sculpture of the Bancroft logo. There are usually about 20 winners, and Hector makes quick work of running through the list. There’s a woman from HR, someone from the marketing department who’s relatively new, a man from the product design team, a seasoned member of the PR department, and one of the custodial staff. They’re all absolutely delighted to receive the award, smiling wide and bowing and practically bouncing back to their seats, and it’s heartwarming to see them all so happy.

“You?” “83,” she said as she moved to look at the awards. Turning to the table, I peered at the various awards, which went from last place to first place: a gift basket for two, two $50 gift cards to the local cafe, two free movie theater tickets, a $200 limit at one of the fancier restaurants in town, and finally, a free all-inclusive date night at the planetarium. “Looks like the organizers are really playing up the whole date thing this year,” Tina mused, scratching her head as she looked at all of the very couple-friendly awards. “Each award has a male and female winner, so I guess they either have to split it or go together.”

“Really? I had looked through the list, but I hadn’t recognized any of the names. I wasn’t actually planning on going to the award ceremony, but now, I think I’ll go.” He turns his focus back towards me. “I hope you win. The awards have often gone to some old grumpy person, who has given some additional donation to get the award. I’m happy they are finally looking at the younger people now and basing the winners off their talents and not their back accounts.” A crease forms along my forehead as I stare back at him. Why do I get a strange sense he knows more than what he is saying?

“Can’t a man change after two decades?” Everyone at Freya’s table laughed. Leon got up on stage to receive his award. There were two other awardees next: the Social Butterfly Award and the Most Dramatic Career Pivot Award. Host: “The next two awards are... a little special. So special that the winners are getting actual crowns. Because why not?” An assistant brought out what appeared to be a crown for a man and a woman. Next to the crowns were two glasses of wine.

My company was going to receive an award! "When I first saw it, I thought it was one of these chaebols looking to curry favor but after reading it,...." Ezekiel couldn't complete his sentence due to excitement. I reread the email just in case I had misread any line but it was all true. I was going to be awarded the 'Design of the Year Award'. It was awarded by the Design Museum in London and it recognized design projects from all industries. "It's awesome." I stood up and rushed to Juss's room, knocking urgently on her door.

"Nina, I've told you before—I’m the one in control." So that was it. He wanted to publicly turn my work into Wendy's and cement my 'incompetence' before everyone. Onstage, the lights came up. The host announced enthusiastically, "Next, we present this year's most anticipated award—the Best Emerging Architect Award! The winning project is: The Summit Project! The winner is Wendy Lowe from the Lister Group!" Thunderous applause erupted. Wendy lifted her skirt and walked onto the stage like a proud peacock.

“Tell me more about these awards.” Giulia listened intently as the man told her about the prestigious event. The awards took place on the first of December every year. Nominations were curated from specialists in the industry, and the winner received bragging rights, as well as a trophy. It was like the Oscars of the wine world. Apparently, Luigi had been nominated before, for his red wines, but he’d never won. The event was broadcast on live television. “It’s a big deal,” the man said into the phone.

Prestigious awards celebrated remarkable achievements and contributions across business, innovation and entertainment. “For the third consecutive year….” The announcer’s voice echoed proudly. “Westgrid holdings emerges the fastest growing corporation of the year.” Thunderous applause erupted as Bryan rose from his seat. Mrs. Glyde West smiled proudly beside him as mother and son walked proudly onto the stage. Quick flashes of camera light shone at them as Bryan received the award on behalf of his father who couldn’t be in attendance at the Onyx gala this year due to some important business conference abroad. “This award is dedicated to my father, Mr. West who couldn’t be here today and to ev

But by the time the couple arrived, the organizers were stacking up the metal crowd barriers and cleaning up the red carpet. Regina and Owen sauntered, hand in hand, to the event with smiles plastered on their faces. The couple did not care that they were late because being in the limelight was not their cup of tea. The ushers hurriedly escorted them to their seats just as the lights dimmed and the awards ceremony began. The organizers showed a presentation about the awards handed out by the mayor every year to outstanding individuals in the community. Some of them get nominated by their colleagues, some by their students, and then people like Owen and Regina’s father were public figures cho