1979 in science fiction

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

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

• Ed Earl Repp

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

• First issue of Starblazer published

• Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials, by Wayne Barlowe

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

• Mobile Suit Gundam

• Asteroids

• 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]

• 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

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