Why Tom Hanks Thinks the Oscars Shouldn’t Create a Category for Voice Actors

**Tom Hanks Advocates for Inclusion of Voice Actors in Best Actor Category at the Oscars**

Acclaimed actor Tom Hanks has taken a bold stance on how the film industry recognises the talents of voice actors. During a recent interview with Gold Derby, Hanks expressed his belief that individuals working in voiceover roles should not be relegated to a separate category for awards, but instead should be eligible for recognition in the existing Best Actor and Best Actress categories.

Hanks, who is renowned for his portrayal of Woody in the Toy Story franchise, has lent his voice to the character for over three decades. Despite his extensive experience, he remains humble about the accolade, stating that he does not believe he deserves an Oscar for his voice work alone. “I think they have enough categories,” he stated, emphasising that any performance capable of evoking a strong emotional response from audiences should be considered for the prestigious awards.

In his argument, Hanks highlighted the contributions of Andy Serkis, known for his groundbreaking performances as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes series. He praised Serkis for providing the raw emotional material necessary for the characters he portrayed, despite not appearing on screen in a traditional sense. “There’s been people who have been close to being nominated that do not appear on camera. That could happen to a pure-vocal actor,” Hanks remarked, reinforcing his point that voice actors deserve similar consideration in award nominations.

While the Oscars currently offer a distinct Best Animated Feature category, it was only recently that they added a new Best Casting category for the 2026 ceremony, which was awarded to the film One Battle After Another. This marked the first time a new award has been introduced since the Best Animated Feature was created in 2002. Despite this development, Hanks does not believe that introducing a voiceover category is the answer. Instead, he advocates for the inclusion of notable voice performances in the longstanding acting categories.

Hanks elaborated on his perspective by affirming that the crux of any performance should hinge on the emotional connection it fosters with the audience. “If they are moved—that means they are moved by a human being’s performance—that’s all the requirement,” he explained.

The endorsement from Hanks brings further visibility to an ongoing conversation within the industry about how voice actors’ contributions are evaluated. Unlike the Academy Awards, the Emmys have created specific categories for voiceover performances, such as Best Character Voice-Over Performance and Best Narrator. Hanks himself received an Emmy for Narration for his work in *The Americas* in 2025, underscoring the distinction made by the Emmys that the Oscars do not currently emulate.

As Hanks promotes the upcoming *Toy Story 5*, where he reprises his role alongside fellow actors Tim Allen and Joan Cusack, the conversation around recognition for voice acting gains renewed urgency. The fifth installation of the beloved franchise sees Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie navigate new challenges, including an innovative tablet character named Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. This new development in the narrative reflects ongoing shifts in technology and its impact on storytelling.

*Toy Story 5* is set to make its theatrical debut on June 19, 2026, offering audiences another opportunity to experience the beloved characters in a new context. As the film approaches its release date, it also serves as a timely reminder of the significant role that voice actors play in the film industry.

As discussions around Hanks’ views continue to unfold, it remains to be seen if the Academy will take steps to potentially broaden the scope of its awards criteria. The push for change is indicative of a wider industry trend toward inclusivity and recognition of diverse contributions in the performing arts.

In the interim, Hanks’ advocacy may inspire other voices within the industry to weigh in on the topic, prompting a dialogue that could shape the future of award nominations and recognition for voice acting talent.