Barbra Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Kate McKinnon Among Audie Award Winners
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The 2025 Audie Awards was a night filled with glitz and glamour, as Hollywood A-listers and renowned authors gathered to celebrate outstanding audiobook achievements. Hosted by the Audio Publishers Association at Pier Sixty in New York City, the event honoured notable personalities like Kate McKinnon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Barbra Streisand, as well as acclaimed authors such as Stephen King.
Barbra Streisand emerged as a standout winner of the evening, clinching the coveted Audiobook of the Year and Best Autobiography/Memoir awards for her novel, ‘My Name Is Barbra’. Though Streisand couldn’t be present at the ceremony, Penguin Random House Audio’s Karen Dziekonski accepted the awards on her behalf, shedding light on the recording process with the legendary actress. Streisand’s work resonated with the audience, illustrating her unwavering commitment to her craft and her artistry as a whole.
Whoopi Goldberg also shone at the event, receiving the Best Narration award for her novel ‘Bits and Pieces’. Goldberg shared a heartfelt moment on stage, expressing her gratitude to fellow narrators for helping her explore new narratives through the world of audiobooks. She revealed that as a dyslexic individual, having stories read to her was a transformative experience, making audiobooks a sanctuary.
Another highlight of the night was Kate McKinnon’s win for Best Humor with her novel ‘The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science’. The blend of silliness and heart in McKinnon’s work captivated audiences, drawing comparisons to beloved storytellers like Lemony Snicket and Tim Burton.
The awards ceremony also recognised other outstanding talents in the audiobook industry. James, penned by Percival Everett and narrated by Dominic Hoffman, claimed the Best Literary Fiction & Classics award, while Hanif Abdurraqib’s ‘There’s Always This Year’ won Best Non-Fiction. The diverse range of winners across genres showcased the depth and creativity present in the audiobook landscape.
In the realm of fiction, titles such as ‘Bookshops & Bonedust’, ‘Rednecks’, ‘This Could Be Us’, and ‘Lone Wolf’ were honoured in their respective categories, underscoring the artistry and storytelling prowess of the creators. Notable mentions include George Orwell’s ‘1984’, which was awarded Best Audio Drama, and Kristin Hannah’s ‘The Women’, narrated by Julia Whelan, which nabbed the Best Fiction Narrator prize.
The 2025 Audie Awards served as a platform to celebrate the power of storytelling through the auditory medium, recognising talents from various backgrounds and genres. The event brought together a vibrant community of audiobook enthusiasts, narrators, and authors, reaffirming the significant role that audiobooks play in shaping narratives and connecting audiences globally.
As the night concluded with a star-studded celebration of creativity and talent, audiences were left inspired by the dedication and passion exhibited by the winners and nominees alike. The legacy of the Audie Awards continues to resonate, highlighting the timeless appeal of audiobooks in captivating imaginations and fostering a love for storytelling across generations.
This prestigious event not only honours outstanding achievements in the field but also serves as a testament to the enduring influence of audiobooks in enriching lives and bridging cultures through the magic of storytelling. The 2025 Audie Awards exemplified the transcendent power of the spoken word, solidifying the importance of narratives in shaping our collective human experience.