Best Voice Acting Performances of the Year
The best voice acting performances of the year showcase a remarkable range of talent and creativity, bringing animated characters and stories to life in captivating ways. These performances often transcend the medium, resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting impression through emotional depth and unique interpretations.
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In 2023, voice actors have continued to push the boundaries of their craft, delivering standout performances across various animated films and series. From the heartfelt portrayals in family-friendly features to the nuanced, mature roles in adult animation, each performance offers a distinct flavor that enriches the storytelling experience. For instance, some actors have immersed themselves in their characters, utilizing vocal techniques that reflect their characters' emotions and complexities, making audiences feel every joy and sorrow. Additionally, the collaboration between voice actors and directors has resulted in innovative approaches to character development, allowing for more authentic and relatable performances. The diversity in genres—from fantasy epics to slice-of-life dramas—has further highlighted the versatility of voice talent, showcasing how a well-executed performance can elevate an entire production and leave an indelible mark on viewers.
Jodie ComerView AllJodie Comer - Talented actress known for versatility and captivating performances.
Chris PrattView AllChris Pratt - Charismatic actor known for action and comedy roles.
Ashley JohnsonView AllAshley Johnson - Versatile actress, voice talent, and passionate gamer.
Laura BaileyView AllLaura Bailey - Talented voice actress known for diverse character roles.
Troy BakerView AllTroy Baker - Versatile voice actor known for iconic video game roles.
Mahershala AliView AllMahershala Ali - Talented actor, two-time Oscar winner, versatile performances.
Matthew MercerView AllMatthew Mercer - Voice actor, Dungeon Master, creative storyteller, and performer.
Cissy JonesView AllCissy Jones - Talented voice actress known for diverse character roles.
Nolan NorthView AllNolan North - Versatile voice actor known for video game characters.
Rami MalekView AllRami Malek - Versatile actor, Emmy winner, known for "Mr. Robot."
Best Voice Acting Performances of the Year
1.
Jodie Comer
Jodie Comer is a talented British actress, best known for her compelling performances in television and film. Born on March 11, 1993, in Liverpool, England, she gained widespread recognition for her role as Villanelle in the critically acclaimed series "Killing Eve," which earned her several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award. Comer's versatility shines through in various roles, from historical dramas like "The Last Duel" to her portrayal of a video game character in "Free Guy." With her remarkable range and captivating screen presence, she has quickly become one of the leading actresses of her generation.
Pros
Talented actress- versatile roles
- charismatic presence.
Cons
Limited mainstream recognition- intense media scrutiny
- potential typecasting risks.
2.
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt is an American actor and producer, known for his charismatic presence and versatility in both comedic and action roles. He gained fame for his role as Andy Dwyer on the NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation" and further solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood with starring roles in blockbuster franchises like "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Jurassic World." Born on June 21, 1979, in Virginia, Minnesota, Pratt has also lent his voice to animated films such as "The Lego Movie." He continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Pros
- Charismatic
- versatile actor
- box office draw.
Cons
- Controversial public persona
- mixed reviews on acting range and choices.
3.
Ashley Johnson
Ashley Johnson is an accomplished American actress, voice actress, and producer, best known for her versatile roles in television and video games. Born on August 9, 1983, she gained prominence as a child actress in the late 1990s with her role in the series "Growing Pains." Johnson is particularly celebrated for her voice work as Ellie in the acclaimed video game series "The Last of Us," as well as her role as Gertie in "The Avengers." In addition to her acting career, she is a co-founder of the popular web series "Critical Role," showcasing her passion for tabletop gaming.
Pros
- Talented actress
- voice artist
- and gamer. Engaging personality.
Cons
- Limited mainstream recognition
- typecast in specific roles.
4.
Laura Bailey
Laura Bailey is a versatile American voice actress and producer, renowned for her work in video games, animation, and television. Born on May 28, 1981, in Biloxi, Mississippi, she gained popularity through her roles in acclaimed video games such as "The Last of Us Part II," where she voiced Abby, and "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End," portraying Nadine Ross. Bailey has also lent her voice to characters in animated series like "Critical Role" and "Batman: The Long Halloween." With a career spanning over two decades, she is celebrated for her dynamic performances and emotional range.
Pros
- Talented voice actress
- versatile roles
- strong emotional range.
Cons
- Typecast in similar characters
- limited visibility outside gaming.
5.
Troy Baker
Troy Baker is a renowned American voice actor and musician, celebrated for his versatile performances in video games, animation, and film. Born on April 1, 1976, in Dallas, Texas, he has lent his voice to iconic characters such as Joel in "The Last of Us," Booker DeWitt in "BioShock Infinite," and the Joker in various Batman titles. Baker's work has garnered critical acclaim, earning him multiple awards in the gaming industry. Beyond voice acting, he is also a talented musician, showcasing his skills through original compositions and performances.
Pros
- Versatile voice actor
- strong emotional range
- popular in gaming
Cons
- in roles
- some may find performances repetitive
6.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali is an acclaimed American actor known for his powerful performances in film and television. Born on February 16, 1974, in Oakland, California, he gained recognition for his role in the Netflix series "House of Cards." Ali won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in "Moonlight" (2016) and "Green Book" (2018), making him the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar. His versatility and depth as an actor have garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as one of Hollywood's leading talents. He is also known for his role as Blade in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film.
Pros
- Talented actor
- versatile
- Oscar winner.
Cons
- Limited roles in mainstream blockbusters
- may face typecasting in certain genres.
7.
Matthew Mercer
Matthew Mercer is an acclaimed voice actor, dungeon master, and writer, best known for his role as the Game Master in the popular web series "Critical Role." With a diverse range of characters under his belt, Mercer has lent his voice to numerous video games, anime, and animated series, including notable roles in "Overwatch," "Attack on Titan," and "Final Fantasy XV." His engaging storytelling and improvisational skills have garnered him a dedicated fanbase, making him a prominent figure in the tabletop gaming community. Mercer continues to inspire and entertain through his creative endeavors.
Pros
- Talented storyteller
- versatile voice actor
- engages audiences.
Cons
- High expectations
- some may find his style overwhelming or overly dramatic.
8.
Cissy Jones
Cissy Jones is a talented American voice actress known for her work in video games, animation, and television. With a versatile vocal range, she has brought to life numerous memorable characters, including Delilah in "Firewatch" and Nina in "The Last of Us Part II." Jones's ability to convey deep emotion and authenticity has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. In addition to her voice acting career, she has also worked in on-camera roles and continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Pros
- Jones excels in voice acting
- bringing characters to life
Cons
- be limited by typecasting in specific genres
9.
Nolan North
Nolan North is an acclaimed American voice actor and producer, best known for his versatile vocal performances in video games and animation. Born on October 31, 1970, in New York City, he gained prominence for his role as Nathan Drake in the "Uncharted" series, which has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. North has also lent his voice to characters in popular franchises like "Assassin’s Creed," "Batman: Arkham," and "Call of Duty." With a career spanning over two decades, he is recognized as one of the most talented voice actors in the gaming industry.
Pros
- Versatile voice actor
- charismatic performances
- iconic roles.
Cons
- Typecast in certain genres
- some may find his style repetitive.
10.
Rami Malek
Rami Malek is an acclaimed American actor best known for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the biographical film "Bohemian Rhapsody," for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2019. Born on May 12, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, to Egyptian immigrant parents, Malek gained prominence through his role as Elliot Alderson in the critically acclaimed television series "Mr. Robot." His distinctive voice and captivating performances have made him a standout figure in Hollywood. In addition to his film work, he has lent his talents to various voice acting projects, including video games.
Pros
- Talented actor
- unique presence
- award-winning performances.
Cons
- Limited typecasting
- intense method acting
- sometimes polarizing roles.