by Ian Whates

Richard Morgan’s critically acclaimed novel Black Man (called 13 in the US) was announced as the winner of this year’s Arthur C. Clarke Award at a ceremony in London on the evening of Wednesday 30th April.

As has become traditional in recent years, the ceremony was arranged in partnership with the annual Sci-Fi-London film festival, and attendees were greeted by a pair of Storm Troopers at the door and Darth Vadar, Sith and other Star Wars characters within.

Former Matrix editor Tom Hunter, who is now in his second year as the Awards Administrator, can congratulate himself on a job well done. All six of the shortlisted authors attended and, indeed, it was hard not to trip over authors, publishers, editors and other industry-related figures (even a character from the X-files). Since all such are invariably good company, especially when the alcohol is flowing freely, this was by no means a hardship.

Prior to the award ceremony itself there was a buzz of excitement and anticipation as attendees attempted to second-guess the judges, who remained admirably tight-lipped, and the whole evening benefited from an almost palpable sense of bonhomie.

Inevitably, the spectre of Sir Arthur’s passing played a part, with tributes paid during the ceremony, but even these were delivered in an up-beat manner, with the emphasis on Sir Arthur’s generosity in life and the memory of the rich cannon of work he leaves behind.

So, another year gone, producing a winner that has been welcomed by most and accepted by all. As for Tom Hunter, his job is easy: all he has to do is ensure that next year’s ceremony is at least as successful as this one. We wish him luck.