The prestigious Audie Awards, which celebrate excellence in the audio publishing industry, have unveiled their finalists for the 31st annual ceremony. Among the standout nominees are music icon Cher, fashion designer and author Tina Knowles, and the late filmmaker Rob Reiner, highlighting a diverse and star-studded lineup for this year's honours.
Notable Nominees in Biography and Autobiography
Cher has secured a nomination in the best biography/autobiography category for her narration of "Cher: Part One", a deeply personal account of her life and career. She faces strong competition from Tina Knowles, who narrated "Matriarch" alongside her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, among others. The category also features poignant entries such as the late Virginia Giuffre's memoir "Nobody's Girl", narrated by Thérèse Plummer and Gabra Zackman, which details her traumatic experiences with Jeffrey Epstein.
Further enriching this category are a recording of the late Maya Angelou's "The Heart of a Woman", narrated by Uzo Aduba, and Scott Payne's "Code Name: Pale Horse", narrated by Payne and collaborator Michelle Shephard. This selection underscores the powerful storytelling and emotional depth that characterise the nominated works.
Audiobook of the Year Contenders
The coveted audiobook of the year category features an impressive array of titles, ranging from contemporary bestsellers to classic literature. Suzanne Collins' latest "Hunger Games" novel, "Sunrise on the Reaping", is in the running, alongside a new audio edition of Jane Austen's timeless masterpiece "Pride and Prejudice". The latter boasts narration from Oscar-nominated actors Glenn Close, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Jessie Buckley, adding a layer of theatrical prestige.
Other notable nominees include crime novelist S.A. Cosby's "King of Ashes", Garrett M. Graff's "The Devil Reached Toward the Sky", Devney Perry's "Shield of Sparrows", and Charlotte McConaghy's "Wild Dark Shore". This diverse shortlist reflects the breadth of genres and narratives captivating listeners in the audiobook sphere.
Rob Reiner's Posthumous Nomination
In a bittersweet recognition, the late Rob Reiner is a finalist in the best nonfiction category for "A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever". This work provides an insider's account of the making of the cult classic "This Is Spinal Tap" and its sequel, "Spinal Tap II", featuring contributions from cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. Reiner and his wife, Michele, were tragically found deceased in their home in December, with their son Nick Reiner currently facing first-degree murder charges.
Additional Categories and Recognitions
The mystery category sees Reese Witherspoon nominated for the thriller "Gone Before Goodbye", which she co-wrote with Harlan Coben and features narration by Chris Pine. In the short stories/collections category, Julianne Moore's narration of "Notes to John", a private journal of the late Joan Didion, has been recognised for its compelling delivery and intimate insight.
The Audie Awards encompass 27 distinct categories, honouring everything from fiction and nonfiction to specific genres and narrational achievements. The winners are scheduled to be announced on March 2, marking a significant date for authors, narrators, and publishers within the audio industry.
This year's finalists not only showcase exceptional vocal performances and production quality but also highlight the growing cultural significance of audiobooks as a medium for storytelling. From memoirs of resilience to fictional epics, the nominated works demonstrate the power of audio to engage, entertain, and enlighten audiences worldwide.
