(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Hollywood, CA — (April 18, 2026) – Michael T. Kuester from Cincinnati, Ohio, has been named the Grand Prize Writer Winner for 2026, and Bafu from Ruzomberok, Slovakia, has been named the Grand Prize Illustrator Winner. The awards were presented during the 42nd Annual Writers of the Future and the 37th Annual Illustrators of the Future L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards Gala, held on April 16, 2026, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex.
Awards Presenters and Author Services, Inc. and Galaxy Press Executives –
Photos courtesy of Author Service, Inc
Press Executives – Photo courtesy of Author Services, Inc.
Emceed by Gunhild Jacobs, Executive Director of Author Services, Inc., the event celebrated emerging talent in science fiction and fantasy. Kuester expressed gratitude to his hometown, stating, “Cincinnati is a place where ordinary people do extraordinary things.” He reflected on the emotional impact of his story, which he said gave him nightmares, but ultimately highlighted the power of storytelling.
Bafu shared his excitement about winning, calling the experience “life-changing” and emphasizing the importance of the feedback he received from contest judges. He humorously noted the challenge of fitting his award into his suitcase.
The gala attracted a capacity crowd of 350 attendees, including literary figures, industry professionals, and aspiring writers. John Goodwin, President of Galaxy Press, announced the upcoming release of Volume 42 of the anthology, set to hit bookstores nationwide on April 28, 2026.
The event’s theme was “Fantasy, Alternate History, and Imagination,” and the cover art for Volume 42, created by Illustrators of the Future judge Ciruelo Cabral, set the tone for the evening. Goodwin highlighted the milestone of having published over 1,000 writers and illustrators through the contests.
The Golden Pen Award was presented to Kuester for his story “In Living Color,” while Bafu received the Golden Brush Award for illustrating Kathleen Powell’s “Saffron and Marigolds.” Each winner received a trophy and a cash prize of $5,000.
Jannicke Mikkelsen, the first Norwegian astronaut, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the role of science fiction in inspiring real-world exploration. “Your journey of exploration, discovery and understanding would not be possible if all of you did not tap into the future of what-ifs,” she said.
The gala included a three-course meal, entertainment from EM Cirque performers and a violinist, and concluded with a book signing and reception. The spirit of creativity and collaboration was palpable throughout the evening, reinforcing the mission of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contests to empower emerging voices.
For more information about the contests, visit www.writersofthefuture.com and www.galaxypress.com.
