The Long Overdue Recognition of Voice-Acting Performances at the Oscars

The Neglected Art of Voice-Acting

The entertainment industry has seen many changes in the portrayal of characters on screen, yet one aspect of performance has remained largely overlooked by the prestigious Oscars. Voice-acting, a form of acting that relies solely on the power of the voice to convey emotion and character, has yet to receive the recognition it deserves at the Academy Awards. While the 2024 Oscars approach, the question arises: will this be the year that the Oscars make history by acknowledging the exceptional talent in voice-acting?

Donkey smiling in Shrek.

In the illustrious 95-year history of the Oscars, there has been a glaring omission - no actor has ever been nominated for a voice-acting performance. Despite the undeniable impact of voice-over and voice-acting performances in film, the Academy has consistently bypassed these remarkable contributions. Notably, iconic performances like Robin Williams' portrayal of Genie in Aladdin and James Earl Jones' embodiment of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise have been sidelined in favor of visible, live-action performances.

Gollum in The Lord of the Rings.

The closest the Academy came to recognizing a voice-acting performance was Eddie Murphy's portrayal of Donkey in the animated film Shrek. Murphy's exceptional voice work earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTA Awards, yet the Oscars failed to acknowledge this groundbreaking achievement. This pattern of oversight has prompted a crucial discussion about the necessity of creating a separate category to honor the art of voice-acting at the Oscars.

Yoda on Dagobah

The Case for a Best Voice-Acting Performance Category

The absence of a dedicated category for voice-acting performances at the Oscars has raised valid concerns about the oversight of exceptional talent. Animated films and voice-only roles in live-action movies often go unrecognized in the existing acting categories, leading to the undervaluing of these exceptional performances. The need for a separate category to celebrate the art of voice-acting has become increasingly apparent, as it would provide a platform for voice actors to receive the acknowledgement they rightfully deserve without overshadowing live-action performers.

The Muppets driving a car in The Muppet Movie.

While accolades such as the Annie Awards commend voice-acting performances in animated films, their prominence pales in comparison to the global impact of the Oscars. The introduction of a dedicated Best Voice-Acting Performance category at the Oscars would not only elevate the status of animated movies but also bestow the respect and acclaim that voice actors have long been deprived of. Furthermore, the eligibility for this category should extend beyond animated movie roles to include live-action vocal performances, CGI portrayals, and narrators, thereby encompassing a diverse range of exceptional voice-acting performances.

Miss Piggy looking shocked in The Muppet Movie.

The Anticipation for a Historic Nomination

The 2024 Oscars present an opportunity for the Academy to rectify the historical oversight of voice-acting performances. The remarkable voice-acting performances in the 2023 films have set the stage for a potential breakthrough in Oscars history. Films like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and The Boy and the Heron showcased exceptional voice work by actors such as Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, and Robert Pattinson, whose captivating vocal performances deserve the highest accolades.

Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) looking at the loading screen for "Samantha" on his computer in Her (2013).

Although the nomination voting period for the 2024 Oscars has concluded, the possibility of a groundbreaking nomination for a voice-acting performance remains a hopeful prospect. While it may be too late to introduce a separate category for the 2024 Oscars, the recognition of a voice-acting performance at this year's ceremony would mark a significant step forward. Not only would this historic nomination make Oscars history, but it would also pave the way for the creation of a dedicated category to honor the exceptional talent of voice actors at future Oscars.

Miles and Gwen in Across the Spider-Verse