The Australian Shadows Awards are annual accolades that recognize outstanding achievements in the genre of horror fiction within Australia. Established in 2004, these awards celebrate both published works and emerging talent in various categories, including novels, short stories, and collections. The awards are organized by the Australian Horror Writers Association and aim to promote and support Australian horror writers. Winners are selected by a panel of judges, and the awards are presented at a ceremony that highlights the contributions of authors to the horror genre in Australia.