Andrea Hairston will be joining Sheree Renée Thomas as co-host of this year’s Hugo Award Ceremony, set during DisCon III (aka the World Science Fiction Convention, aka Worldcon) later this month.
Hairston will be filling in for Worldcon Special Guest Malka Older, who sadly but very understandably had to withdraw from in-person events because her children are too young to be vaccinated against Covid. “I really appreciate everything the con has done to make the convention safe, and I think their measures are probably as good as they can be,” Older said in a statement. “I had hoped that everyone in my family would be able to be vaccinated by this time. But in this evolving situation, I’m being extra careful.”
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When Older stepped away from in-person attendance, Thomas recommended Hairston take over Older’s previous Hugo co-hosting duties. “I am a great admirer and witness to the brilliance and excellence that Andrea brings to whatever she does,” Thomas shared in a statement. “I’m thrilled that she will bring her special voice and presence to the Hugo Awards stage. It’s an exciting time, and I look forward to a wonderful celebration of this year’s excellent finalists and an entertaining evening,.”
In the same statement, Older also shared her enthusiasm for having Hairston co-host the Hugos: “As sorry as I am to miss being at the ceremony in person, I’m thrilled that Andrea will be doing it with Sheree! I love her work, and I know she’ll be fantastic as host.”
The 79th Worldcon will take place in Washington, DC from December 15-19, 2021. The Hugo Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 18.
