Voice Arts Awards Celebrate the Power of Human Voices Over AI

The 12th annual event in Beverly Hills showcased the global community of voice actors, producers, and creators.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The 12th Annual Voice Arts Awards, hosted by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), celebrated the art of voice acting and the people behind the voices that have become so familiar to audiences. The event, held in Beverly Hills, brought together performers, producers, and executives from around the world to honor excellence in voice work across more than 150 categories. The emotional highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize, awarded to Laurence Fishburne. The rise of voice acting mirrors broader shifts in entertainment and media, with the growth of audiobooks, podcasts, and streaming platforms requiring increased voice integration. While AI-generated voices are on the rise, the voice community is asserting the importance of human performance, emotional credibility, and transparency.

Why it matters

The Voice Arts Awards reflect the growing prominence and recognition of voice acting, which has become increasingly central to how culture, technology, and storytelling intersect. As AI-generated voices become more prevalent, the voice community is emphasizing the value of human performance, authenticity, and trust. The event also highlights the global nature of the voice acting community and its ability to come together to celebrate and support its craft.

The details

The 2026 Voice Arts Awards brought together a global community of voice actors, producers, and creators to celebrate excellence in voice work. The event featured performances, presentations, and the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize, awarded to Laurence Fishburne by longtime collaborator Angela Bassett. The rise of voice acting is mirrored by the growth of audiobooks, podcasts, and streaming platforms, which are increasingly requiring voice integration. While AI-generated voices are becoming more prevalent, the voice community is emphasizing the importance of human performance, emotional credibility, and transparency.

  • The 2026 Voice Arts Awards were held on January 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
  • The inaugural James Earl Jones Prize was presented at the 2026 event.

The players

Rudy Gaskins

Founder and CEO of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), the organization that hosts the Voice Arts Awards.

Angela Bassett

Actress who presented the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize to Laurence Fishburne.

Laurence Fishburne

Actor who received the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize, which honors one of the most influential voices in entertainment history.

Flynn Earl Jones

The son of James Earl Jones, who was present for the presentation of the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize.

Joan Baker

Vice President who collaborated with Rudy Gaskins on the project that led to the creation of the Voice Arts Awards.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like a perfect storm in the best possible way. There was a growing realization that the global voiceover community trusted us to do this the right way—with authenticity, warmth, and real respect for the work. People didn't want another awards program. They wanted a home for genuine recognition.”

— Rudy Gaskins, Founder and CEO of SOVAS

“The James Earl Jones family embraced the idea and granted us permission to steward this small, meaningful part of his legacy. And the moment it all came into focus was the selection of the beloved Laurence Fishburne as the inaugural recipient.”

— Rudy Gaskins, Founder and CEO of SOVAS

“James Earl Jones himself received our very first Icon Award. That honor has now evolved into the James Earl Jones Prize—carrying forward the same spirit with an even deeper sense of purpose.”

— Rudy Gaskins, Founder and CEO of SOVAS

What’s next

The Voice Arts Awards will continue to honor the global voice acting community and celebrate the power of human voices in the face of AI-generated alternatives.

The takeaway

The Voice Arts Awards have established a vibrant community that celebrates the art of voice acting, emphasizing the importance of human performance, emotional credibility, and transparency in an era of increasing AI-generated voices. The event's growth and global reach reflect the rising prominence of voice work across entertainment and media.