There are a number of reasons for people to be given an award or trophy. Most of the trophies and awards presented are in relation to sporting achievements such as Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals. Yet there are just as many non sporting ones presented as well and below we take a look at what some may consider to be the top 10 non sporting trophies and awards that are given out.
1. Academy Awards – More commonly referred to as Oscar Trophies, they look like a human being and are presented each year to those involved in the world of movies normally in March. It is the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that give out these awards and is considered to be one of the oldest media ceremonies today.
2. Hugo Awards – This award has been presented annually since 1955 and is named after the founder of the science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, Hugo Gernsbeck. The people who receive this award are those who the previous year have produced a great science fiction or fantasy work.
3. Victoria Cross – This is the highest decoration that can be given to members of the armed forces whether they serve in the UK or the Commonwealth Countries. It is medal that is awarded to military personnel who have shown extreme bravery when faced with their enemies and since the first one was presented in 1856 a total of 1,353 individuals have received this medal. However following the end of the 2nd World War only another 13 medals have been presented to UK and Australian military personnel.
4. Military Cross – Another medal presented to military personnel whether part of the UK or Commonwealth Armed Forces. This one unlike the Victoria Cross is awarded those people who have carried out an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during the time of conflict. In some cases since 1979 the medals that have been awarded to military personnel have been done so posthumously.
5. George Cross – This is a medal that will be awarded not just to military personnel in the UK and Commonwealth countries but civilians also. It is a counterpart of the Victoria Cross and is given out when a person is believed to have carried out an exceptional act of bravery but is not part of a conflict.
6. Queens Gallantry Medal – In 1974 this medal was presented and is the one that replaced other Gallantry medals such as the Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry, the British Empire for Gallantry and the British Empire Medal for Gallantry. It is one that is not only presented to military personnel but also civilians who carry out an act of extreme bravery.
7. BAFTA’s – This is another award to be presented to those involved not just in movies but also television. Presented each year like the Oscars, the recipients of this receive an theatrical mask shaped award. It was designed by an American sculptor by the name of Mitzi Cunliffe in 1955.
8. BRIT Awards – Most people refer to this one as the BRITS and every year a ceremony takes place that allows the British Phonographic Industry to celebrate the achievements of those involved in all genres of music. Each year people watch this ceremony to not only see their favorite singer or band perform but also to see who is presenting. Some presenters are better received than others!
9. Nobel Peace Prize – This is a prize that is easily recognizable along with the Oscars. Every year a committee will create a short list of those that they feel should be considered to receive this accolade. Since its inception the prize bequeathed by Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel has been presented to many people including Nelson Mandela and more recently Barack Obama.
10. The Man Booker Prize – This is the last of our top 10 non sporting trophies and awards. This one is presented every year to an author who the committee feels has created a truly magnificent novel in the English language. However it is only citizens of the UK, Commonwealth, Ireland and Zimbabwe who can be nominated for this prize. Yet although only one person can be presented with this prize, just to be nominated is an honour.