Laurence Fishburne is set to receive the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize at the 2026 Voice Arts Awards. The honor, presented by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), celebrates a career built on artistic excellence, integrity, and cultural impact across multiple media platforms.
The award will be presented at the 2026 Voice Arts Awards ceremony on January 18 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Named in tribute to the late legendary actor James Earl Jones, whose voice work remains one of the most revered in entertainment history, the prize recognizes performers whose contributions to voice arts and performance echo the same pioneering spirit and influence.
Fishburne’s body of work spans decades and includes unforgettable roles in cinema, television, and the theater. He earned a Tony Award in 1992 for his performance in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running and has won multiple Emmy Awards, with nominations and accolades highlighting his range and versatility.
His many notable film credits include Boyz ‘n the Hood, The Color Purple, Mystic River, and the Matrix franchise, where his portrayal of Morpheus became part of pop culture lore.
But it’s Fishburne’s vocal work, in animation, narration, and voiceover, that aligns closely with the mission of the Voice Arts Awards. From roles in animated features to narration that brings stories to life, his voice has been a defining instrument across formats and generations of audiences.
The Voice Arts Awards, now in their twelfth year, honor excellence in voice performance across more than 150 categories, including animation, audiobooks, video games, podcasts, and spoken word.
“We are so excited to introduce the James Earl Jones Prize at this year’s Voice Arts Awards,” said Rudy Gaskins, CEO of SOVAS. “We could not think of a more deserving first recipient than Laurence Fishburne, whose dedication to the craft sets the standard for generations of voice artists to come.”
In addition to the James Earl Jones Prize, other honors at this year’s Voice Arts Awards include the Legacy Award and the Apex Award.
