For science fiction, there is are the Hugo and Nebula awards, and many other awards in recognition of excellence in one form or another. Another important award that includes a category for science fiction is the Audie Awards, sponsored by the non-profit Audio Publishers Association. APA’s mission, as stated at its site is:

Formed in 1987, the Audio Publishers Association (APA) is a not-for-profit trade association that advocates the common, collective business interests of audio publishers. The APA consists of audio publishing companies and allied suppliers, distributors, and retailers of spoken word products and allied fields related to the production, distribution and sale of audiobooks.

APA nominates excellent works each year in many categories. According to the APA:

The Audies®, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), is the premier awards program in the United States recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Through the Audie Awards competition, publishers enter titles in various categories for recognition of achievement. Finalists are selected, and from that group of finalists one winner is awarded.

For science fiction this year, the nominees are:

Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie, narrated by Adjoa Andoh, published by Hachette Audio

For a moment things seemed to be under control for Breq, the soldier who used to be a warship. Then a search of Athoek Station’s slums turns up someone who shouldn’t exist, and a messenger from the mysterious Presger empire arrives, as does Breq’s enemy, the divided and quite possibly insane Anaander Mianaai – ruler of an empire at war with itself.

Aurora
by Kim Stanley Robinson
narrated by Ali Ahn
published by Hachette Audio

A major new novel from one of science fiction’s most powerful voices, Aurora tells the incredible story of our first voyage beyond the solar system.

Brilliantly imagined and beautifully told, it is the work of a writer at the height of his powers.

Golden Son: Book II of the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown, narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, published by Recorded Books

Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within.

Jurassic Park
by Michael Crichton
narrated by Scott Brick
published by Brilliance Audio

An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them – for a price.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side! by Tom Angleberger, narrated by Marc Thompson, published by Listening Library/Penguin Random House Audio

Acclaimed best-selling author Tom Angleberger delivers a captivating retelling of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like you’ve never experienced, infusing the iconic, classic tale of good vs. evil with a unique perspective and narrative style that will speak directly to young listeners while enhancing the experience for core fans.