Winners Will Be Announced at the Beverly Hilton on January 18, 2026
Los Angeles, CA (November 24, 2025) – The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS™) today announced the nominees for the 2026 Voice Arts® Awards, unveiling a star-powered lineup led by global icons Dwayne Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, Maya Hawke, Auli‘i Cravalho, and Martin Sheen. Their presence highlights the growing prestige of the Voice Arts® Awards and reflects the rising influence of voice performance across film, television, animation, gaming, and audio storytelling.
Now entering its thirteenth year, the Voice Arts® Awards celebrate creative excellence across more than 150 categories, recognizing achievements in animation, film, TV narration, audiobooks, audio description, video games, political advertising, podcasts, and spoken word. The awards continue to serve as the industry’s premier global honor for voice acting, directing, sound design, and related production crafts.
A List Talent Highlights a Breakout Year for Voice Acting
Disney stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson lead the animation field for their performances in Moana 2, one of the year’s most anticipated releases.
Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey is nominated for his deeply resonant audiobook performance in Poems & Prayers.
Actor musician Maya Hawke earns recognition for her narration of Slouching Towards Bethlehem.
Legendary performer Martin Sheen is nominated for his powerful work in Ghosts of Hiroshima, marking a celebrated milestone in his storied career.
“These nominees represent a milestone moment for the art of voice acting,” said Rudy Gaskins, SOVAS™ Chairman and CEO. “To see this caliber of talent embracing voice performance speaks to the extraordinary creative power of the medium. Voice acting has become central to how audiences experience stories across every platform.”
A Global Nominee Slate Spanning Dozens of Countries
This year’s nominees reflect the international reach of the Voice Arts® Awards, with entries spanning dozens of countries and representing a wide spectrum of languages, cultures, and storytelling traditions. Categories include:
- Outstanding Animation Character Motion Picture
- Outstanding Audiobook Narration Children, Fiction, Teens, History, Biography, and more
- Outstanding Video Game Character and Trailer
- Outstanding Commercial Performance TV, Radio, Streaming, and Political Spots
- Outstanding Narration Film, TV, E Learning, Travel and Tourism
- Outstanding Audio Description Domestic and International
- Outstanding Spoken Word Performance and Podcast Hosting
2026 Voice Arts® Awards Gala at the Beverly Hilton
Winners will be honored at the 2026 Voice Arts® Awards Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday, January 18th. The evening will feature celebrity presenters, exclusive performances, and much more.
The complete list of nominees is now available on the official SOVAS™ website at www.sovas.org.
About SOVAS™
The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the art, craft, and business of voice acting. Through education, mentorship, scholarships, and global recognition programs, including the Voice Arts® Awards and That’s Voiceover!™ Career Expo, SOVAS™ supports the creative and professional growth of voice artists worldwide.
