The Future Belongs to Those Who Keep Dreaming”: Season 2 of the Future History Award Officially Launches
MOSCOW, May 20, 2026 – A press conference dedicated to the launch of the Second International Future History Science Fiction Literary Award was held at the TASS press center. The organizers announced an increase in the prize fund to 6 million rubles, introduced a special nomination for screenwriters, and presented the “Manifesto 2.0” – a foundational document proclaiming a commitment to constructive and forward-looking visions of the future.
“The future belongs to those who keep dreaming” is the key phrase of the Manifesto, through which the Award organizers declare that despite the fog of uncertainty and emerging threats, humanity continues to move relentlessly forward, turning into reality what once existed only in the dreams of prophets, science fiction writers, and visionaries.
Established by the Atom Foundation under the auspices of Rosatom State Corporation, the Award remains Russia’s sole major international literary award dedicated exclusively to science fiction. In its first season, it attracted more than 2,500 authors from 30 countries across Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. The final ceremony was held at the Atom Museum at VDNH.
Science fiction writer and screenwriter Sergei Lukyanenko has become Chairman of Season 2 of the Future History Award:
“Today we are witnessing the very things science fiction writers of the 1960s and 1970s wrote about. Around the world, science fiction is experiencing a renaissance – in Asia, America, and Europe alike. That is why it is so important for us to elevate our science fiction to the high standard that has always defined the genre. This is one of the key goals of the Future History Award.”
Elena Mironenko, Director General of the ATOM Museum, emphasized that the values expressed in the Manifesto fully align with Rosatom’s mission, while also underscoring the importance of a positive vision of the future:
“The Manifesto contains important words: ‘Curiosity and determination, courage and perseverance, willingness to cooperate, and a commitment to justice. All these qualities are inherent in the heroes of science fiction books.’ Yet these same qualities define our scientists, engineers, and researchers. Rosatom is a global technological leader.
It is extremely important that the science fiction presented by the Award’s authors helps shape and create a positive image of our reality – one that we can follow and draw inspiration from.
Science fiction and science itself must find common ground, and the Future History Award, in partnership with the Atom Museum, is becoming a space that unites them. It is a bridge between literature and science. A child who reads an inspiring story about nuclear fusion today may come to work for us as an engineer in fifteen years. This is an investment in human capital.”
Andrei Zolotarev, screenwriter, producer, and jury expert announced the key innovation of the 2026 season – a special nomination titled “Best Screenplay Pitch”:
“Soviet science fiction was the golden age of our sci-fi literature. The Soviet era fostered an environment that gave rise to science fiction writers and inspired a deep interest in the future and new worlds. Today we must revive that environment, and the Future History Award is precisely the kind of space that can unite new science fiction writers, readers, and screenwriters.
A good science fiction film can reach an audience of millions. The problem is that Russia is catastrophically short of smart, scientifically grounded, yet visually compelling stories about the future. This new nomination is a direct gateway into the industry.”
Applications for this nomination will open on June 10. The nomination was created in partnership with the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “Author,” established by the Cinema Fund of Russia in 2024 to support and develop screenwriting and strengthen the competitiveness of the Russian film industry. ANO “Author’s” flagship project is its screenwriter support program, which has already received more than 10,000 applications, supported 106 screenwriters, and seen 75 participants complete their screenplays.
Writer and finalist of the first season of the Future History Award Denis Stolyarov also took part in the press conference. Denis spoke about how the idea for his story ‘The Mandela Effect’ came about:
“My story submitted to the Future History Award was my debut work. At Skoltech (Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology), where I work, I once had a discussion with a professor about connectomics – a field of science that studies neural connections. We were wondering whether artificial intelligence could recreate a human connectome-based brain. That conversation inspired me to write a story on the subject.
The Award became a major source of motivation for me, and its level is absolutely outstanding. Most importantly, after participating I met with the Eksmo publishing house, and we are now exploring opportunities to work together.”
Sergey Shikarev, Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee, literary critic, and science fiction researcher, presented the “Manifesto 2.0” and reminded attendees of the technical details for the new season:
“The International Future History Literary Award brings together scientists, science fiction writers, students – everyone who thinks creatively about the future and helps create it through scientific discoveries and technology. I would like to emphasize that this is one of the key elements of the Award’s DNA!
We believe that humanity is capable of overcoming any obstacle and achieving bright goals. We are looking for stories and screenplays that inspire people to create, invent, and truly live!”
Renowned science fiction writer Roman Zlotnikov shared his vision of contemporary science fiction and addressed young authors:
“Science fiction is a tool for shaping reality, one whose influence is not limited to tomorrow, a single year, or even a decade. There is another tool for influencing tomorrow – the vision of the future. That is why, when evaluating submissions, we must understand whether these stories help build a positive future.”
While working on their stories, authors often become too fascinated with technology and forget about the hero. You can invent a brilliant quantum engine, but if readers have no one to care about, the story will die. That is why it is important not to lose sight of your characters’ journey. And it is equally important not to be afraid of optimism. True courage is not depicting an apocalypse, but showing a world made better through science and human will.”
Submissions for the three main categories – “Best Story,” “Best Story for Children and Young Adults,” and “Best Foreign-Language Story” – open on May 20 and will remain open until September 1. Submissions for the “Best Screenplay Pitch” category will open on June 10. Full submission guidelines are available at fhistory.ru
The Eksmo publishing house is the official partner of the Award. The total prize fund of the Future History Award exceeds 6 million rubles. The final ceremony will take place in Moscow on December 4, 2026, at the Atom Museum at VDNH.
The International Future History Literary Award was established by the ATOM Foundation to Promote the Development of Research, Education, and Communication Initiatives under the auspices of Rosatom State Corporation. Its mission is to popularize science fiction, highlight modern achievements in science and technology, strengthen international cultural ties, and foster a community of authors capable of creating positive visions of the future.