The Audio Publishers Association has revealed the finalists for the 31st annual Audie Awards, an event that honors outstanding audiobook productions across a range of literary genres. This year, a notable array of narrators including the iconic singer and actress Cher, legendary stylist Tina Knowles, and the late filmmaker Rob Reiner have been recognized for their contributions.
Cher’s storytelling in "Cher: Part One" earned her a nomination in the best biography/autobiography category. Tina Knowles received recognition for "Matriarch," a memoir she narrated alongside her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, among others. Additional finalists in this category comprise powerful narratives such as Virginia Giuffre’s memoir "Nobody’s Girl," which details her experiences with Jeffrey Epstein and features narration by Thérèse Plummer and Gabra Zackman. The late Maya Angelou’s "The Heart of a Woman," brought to audio life by Uzo Aduba, is also a contender alongside Scott Payne’s "Code Name: Pale Horse," narrated by Payne himself in collaboration with Michelle Shephard.
In the audiobook of the year category, several high-profile works have been nominated. Suzanne Collins’ latest addition to the "Hunger Games" series, "Sunrise on the Reaping," stands alongside a new audio version of Jane Austen’s classic "Pride and Prejudice." The crime genre is represented by S.A. Cosby’s "King of Ashes," while the other finalists include Garrett M. Graff’s "The Devil Reached Toward the Sky," Devney Perry’s "Shield of Sparrows," and Charlotte McConaghy’s "Wild Dark Shore." Notably, "Pride and Prejudice" features narrations by acclaimed actors including Glenn Close, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Jessie Buckley.
The nonfiction category features the late Rob Reiner’s book, "A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever." This work delivers an account of the making of the cult classic films "This Is Spinal Tap" and its sequel, with contributions from cast members such as Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. It also carries a somber note, as Reiner and his wife Michele were found deceased in their home in December, with their son Nick Reiner currently facing charges related to their deaths.
In the mystery category, Reese Witherspoon is nominated for "Gone Before Goodbye," a thriller co-written with Harlan Coben and narrated by Chris Pine. The short stories/collections finalists include an intimate narration by Julianne Moore, who lends her voice to "Notes to John," a private journal of the late Joan Didion.
The ceremony is scheduled to announce winners across 27 categories on March 2, marking a significant event within the literary and audio publishing community.