Today's Read Contributor On January 29, 2026, the Audio Publishers Association (APA) unveiled the finalists for the 31st annual Audie Awards, which honor excellence in 0. The prestigious awards span 27 categories, showcasing the expanding diversity and creativity within the audiobook industry, including a growing trend of celebrity-led narrations and innovative storytelling techniques.
Among the standout nominees are Cher, recognized for her self-narrated memoir Cher: Part One. Known for her legendary career in music and entertainment, Cher’s voice brings a personal touch to her autobiography, offering fans an intimate look at her life. Another notable finalist is Tina Knowles, who narrates Matriarch, a memoir that features contributions from her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange. The three voices together provide a powerful and heartfelt narrative on family, legacy, and strength.
In a poignant recognition, the Audie Awards posthumously honored director Rob Reiner for his nonfiction audiobook A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever, a title that reflects on the boundaries between comedy and intellectual engagement, marking an emotional moment for the industry.
The prestigious Audiobook of the Year category includes strong contenders such as Sunrise on the Reaping, a new work by Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games, which dives into the complexities of survival in a dystopian world. Also vying for the award is a new edition of Pride and Prejudice, featuring narrations by Glenn Close and Jessie Buckley. The pairing of these accomplished actors is expected to bring a fresh and emotionally charged experience to the classic Jane Austen novel.
Winners of the 31st annual Audie Awards will be revealed at a ceremony on March 2, 2026, recognizing the outstanding contributions of narrators, producers, and authors who continue to shape the audiobook industry. With an increasing number of celebrity narrations and an expanding range of genres, this year’s finalists reflect the growing impact of audiobooks in both entertainment and literary circles.
