The Audies Gala

FEBRUARY 22, 2024, NEW YORK, NY – Today, the Audio Publishers Association (APA) announced that Academy Award nominated screenwriter and actor Nia Vardalos will host the 29th Annual Audie Awards®, the premier awards program recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Additionally, Lake Bell (2024 Audie Award finalist), Felicia Day (2024 Audie Award finalist), Samira Wiley (2021 Audie Award finalist), and Constance Zimmer will serve as presenters. Winners across 27 competitive categories will be revealed at the Audie Awards Gala on March 4 in Los Angeles at the Avalon Hollywood, which will be streamed LIVE on the APA’s YouTube channel. Full list of 2024 finalists may be found here.

“The Audio Publishers Association is thrilled to announce that the extraordinary Nia Vardalos will take center stage as the host of this year’s Audie Awards,” said Sean McManus, president of the APA. “In her capable hands, the evening promises to be a celebration honoring the brilliant voices that bring beloved stories to life.”

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the incredible talents who evoke profound emotions and transport us to different worlds,” said Vardalos. “It’s great to be a part of the evening recognizing the brilliant artists creating the best and future of audio storytelling.”

Nia Vardalos is an Academy Award®, WGA, SAG, Critics Choice, and Golden Globe-nominated screenwriter and actor. Beyond her achievements on screen, she has made her mark as a New York Times bestselling author of her memoir “Instant Mom”, and a playwright with her play “Tiny Beautiful Things” earning the distinction of being a New York Times Critics Pick. As a voice actor, she has voiced many roles plus created and starred in Audible’s original comedy series, “Motivated!.” She recently directed and acted in her screenplay, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,” adding another chapter to the beloved film franchise.

Vardalos rose to prominence with her work on the number one romantic comedy of all time, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” where she received an Academy Award® nomination for Original Screenplay and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. She continued her success with cult-hit “Connie and Carla,” the romantic comedy “I Hate Valentine’s Day,” co-wrote “Larry Crowne,” starred in “My Life in Ruins,” and the iconic “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” sequels. 

Additional acting credits include “Ivy + Bean,” “Cabinet of Curiosities,” “Black Widow,” Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Jane the Virgin,” among many others.

# # #

ABOUT THE AUDIE AWARDS®
The Audie Awards® is the premier awards program in the United States recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Publishers and rights holders enter titles in various categories for recognition of achievement. Finalists are selected, and from that group of finalists one winner is awarded. The Audie Awards® is a registered trademark of the Audio Publishers Association. To learn more about the 2024 finalists visit www.audiopub.org/2024audies.

ABOUT THE AUDIO PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
The Audio Publishers Association (APA) is a not-for-profit trade organization whose primary goals are to promote awareness of the audiobook industry, gather and disseminate industry statistics, encourage high production standards and represent the interests of audiobook publishers. Since 1986, the APA has worked to bring audio publishers together to increase interest in audiobooks. For more information about the APA, please visit https://www.audiopub.org/.

ASSETS
Audie Awards logo here; courtesy of the Audio Publishers Association.

MEDIA CONTACT:
The Samonte Group
Michael@SamonteGroup.com