Full Breakdown
2026 Audie Awards Finalists Announced
1/30/2026, 3:10:21 AM
Overview of the Finalists
The 31st annual Audie Awards, which celebrate excellence in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment, have announced their finalists. Notable nominees include Cher for her narration of “Cher: Part One” and Tina Knowles for “Matriarch,” both competing in the autobiography/memoir category. The Audio Publishers Association (APA) revealed the nominations on January 29, 2026, highlighting a record of over 2,300 submissions this year.
Key Nominees and Categories
Cher's audiobook, narrated by herself and Stephanie J. Block, recounts her life story, while Knowles' “Matriarch” features contributions from her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, along with other family members. Other finalists in the autobiography/memoir category include Virginia Giuffre's “Nobody's Girl,” narrated by Thérèse Plummer and Gabra Zackman, and Maya Angelou's “The Heart of a Woman,” narrated by Uzo Aduba.
In the non-fiction category, Rob Reiner's “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever,” which he co-narrated with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, is nominated. The category also includes John Fugelsang's “Separation of Church and Hate” and Lionel Richie’s “Truly,” narrated by Blair Underwood.
The Audiobook of the Year nominees feature titles such as Suzanne Collins' “Sunrise on the Reaping” and Jane Austen's “Pride and Prejudice,” which boasts a star-studded narration cast including Glenn Close and Jessie Buckley.
Official Statements & Responses
Sean McManus, president of the APA, remarked on the nominations, stating, “This year’s Audie Awards finalists represent the extraordinary range, innovation, and creative excellence shaping today’s audiobook landscape.” The winners will be announced on March 2, 2026, at Pier Sixty in New York.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Audie Awards celebrate achievements in audiobook narration, some critics argue that the focus on celebrity narrators may overshadow emerging voices in the industry. This perspective emphasizes the need for a more diverse representation among nominees.
What's Next
The winners of the 2026 Audie Awards will be revealed on March 2, 2026. Tickets for the event are available for $300 for members and $400 for non-members until February 6, after which prices will increase.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This year’s Audie Awards finalists represent the extraordinary range, innovation, and creative excellence shaping today’s audiobook landscape,” — Sean McManus, President, Audio Publishers Association
- “Cher: Part One” and “Matriarch” are among the audiobooks nominated in the autobiography/memoir category at the 2026 Audie Awards.” — Source
The Audie Awards continue to highlight the evolving landscape of audiobooks, showcasing both established and emerging talents in the industry.
