Whoopi Goldberg will be a guest judge for this year’s Audie Awards, the Audio Publishers Association announced in a news release.
The comedian, actor, and co-host of The View will virtually present an award at the ceremony. The Audies “recognize distinction in audiobooks and spoken word entertainment.” Also named a guest judge was Robin Whitten, the editor and founder of AudioFile, an audiobook review magazine.
Goldberg shared the news of her involvement on Instagram, writing, “You know I love a good audiobook which is why I’m proud to be a presenter & a judge for The 2023 Audie Awards!”
The ceremony will be hosted by Michelle Buteau, the comedian, actor, and author of the essay collection Survival of the Thickest.
“I’m truly so damn excited to be hosting this year’s Audie Awards!” Buteau said in a statement. “As an audiobook narrator myself, it's necessary to celebrate my peers and the critical craft of storytelling. I simply can't wait to put faces to the voices!"
Amy Metsch, chair of the awards gala, said the Audio Publishers Association was “honored” to have Buteau host the event.
“Michelle’s experience on stage and behind the mic will surely make for a memorable evening,” Metsch said. “And to top it off, we are so pleased to have distinguished industry artisans Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Whitten partake in this year’s Audies season.”
The Audies revealed its shortlists last month, with finalists including Viola Davis, Paul Simon, Malcolm Gladwell, Molly Shannon, and Billy Porter. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on March 28 in New York.
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
