Gamespy has awarded Stardock's Galactic Civilizations as 2003 Game of the year in the category of turn based strategy.

From the award page at Gamespy:
"Galactic Civilizations was a labor of love for Brad Wardell of Stardock Systems (who continues to update the game with free expansions). Thank goodness for that, because GalCiv rescued turn-based strategy gamers from a pretty mediocre year with one of the best "4X" games on the market. In GalCiv, players start with one small planet and try to expand their influence until they dominate the galaxy via conquest, economic power, or influence. "

Read the whole thing at: http://www.gamespy.com/goty2003/pc/index13.shtml