How refreshing to have a media awards ceremony to celebrate freelance writers.

#FreelanceWritingAwards was launched in 2021 by freelancers Anna Codrea-Rado and Sian Meades-Williams.

Created partly out of frustration with the lack of representation of freelancers in the media industry and to champion and celebrate freelance writers after a tough year.

Freelancing is the fastest-growing sector of the National Union of Journalists – and the biggest.

Now making up 30 per cent of the total membership, it is streaking ahead of other sectors. I'm an NUJ London Freelance branch Officer, and we've never been busier - 4000 members and TWO new Freelance Officers.

🥂2021 winners of the Freelance Oscars🥂

• Writer of the Year: Oliver Franklin-Wallis • New Freelance Writer: Kimi Chaddah

• Project of the Year: Jennifer Crichton - The Flock

• Newsletter of the Year: Christina Newland - Sisters Under the Mink

• Food, Drink + Lifestyle: Angela Hui • Culture: Aniefiok Ekpoudom

• Arts & Design: Chloë Ashby • Science & Health: Lou Del Bello

• Tech: Amelia Tait • Sports: Emma John

• Fashion & Beauty: Tansy Hoskins • Business: David Worsfold

• News & Investigation: Hannah Summers • Politics & Social: Jack Shenker

• Commercial: Stephanie Boyle • Travel: Monisha Rajesh

• Opinion & Comment: Hollie-Anne Brooks

One of the judges, Terri White, said:

Gotta say, man, this was the hardest judging I've ever done. An absolute tsunami of talent - each shortlist could've been twice the length.

Goes to show there's no shortage of talent - we just need more opportunities and awards to enter!

Congrats to all the winners, runners up, and highly commended - full list on freelancewritingawards.com.

Read their brilliant work, share it, congratulate and commission them!

It's a hard industry to be in right now👏