Overview
- Hanks told Gold Derby while promoting Toy Story 5 that the Academy should not create a separate Best Voice Actor Oscar and that voice performers can win in current acting categories if voters are moved by the work.
- He used Andy Serkis as an example, saying motion-capture and non-on-camera performers supply the same acting 'raw material' and deserve consideration alongside on-camera actors.
- To date the Oscars have never nominated a purely voice-only performance in any of the four acting categories, though roles such as Scarlett Johansson’s in Her drew notable awards buzz.
- Other major awards already recognize voice work: the Primetime Emmys and the Annie Awards have dedicated voice and narration categories, and Hanks himself received an Emmy nomination for narration in 2025.
- Hanks’ comments, delivered while promoting Toy Story 5 ahead of its June 19, 2026 release, restate a broader industry push for parity and put the spotlight on whether Academy voters will broaden what counts as an acting performance.