The Golden Voice: Outstanding Voice Actors and Actresses in Animation

Why hasn't the Oscar recognized the best voice actors in animation yet? Alas, it hasn't, but we can pretend for a moment. In this article, we discuss the best voice actors and actresses in animated history, focusing primarily on those who have been nominated or would surely win if such an award exists.

In reality, animated voice acting typically falls under the Emmy Awards, rather than the Oscars. However, let's not forget some of the truly outstanding performances across the years. For instance, The Simpsons cast, while they do have a voice role in a feature film, their primary recognition would likely come from their extensive television careers. Nonetheless, we proceed to evaluate a list of winners, in a non-gender-based competition, featuring some of the most memorable performances in animated film history.

Nominees

From Yoda's wise and living presence to Donkey's hilarious energy, the list is curated considering body of work, range, and the unique character development. Here they are:

Frank Oz as Yoda

Frank Oz brought Yoda to life with a seamless integration of both physical and verbal performance. His portrayal made the character a believable and emotional Jedi Master, a true contender for the top slot.

Holly Hunter as Mrs. Incredible

Holly Hunter stole the show with her dynamic character as The Incredibles Mrs. Incredible. Her crooked mouth accent and emotional journey provided not only toughness but also an unsually sexy touch for an animated character. Her powerful on-screen presence as a superhero mom is unforgettable.

Tom Hanks as Woody

No list of outstanding voice acting performances would be complete without Tom Hanks as Woody from Toy Story. Hanks brought a wide range of emotions to the character, from selfish to caring, anxious to funny, and sweet to angry. His ability to switch between these traits effortlessly over four films is a testament to his extraordinary talent.

Ming-Na Wen as Mulan

Ming-Na Wen's voice acting for Mulan was not just a voice performance but a nuanced character development. Balancing emotional strength with gender-switching, her performance is one of the most underrated in cinema, adding depth and authenticity to a complex character.

Eddie Murphy as Donkey

Eddie Murphy steals the spotlight as Donkey in the Shrek series. His dynamic, hilarious character is matched only by Jonah Hill’s role in the same franchise. Murphy's comedic timing and range perfectly suit his character, making it an unforgettable performance.

Amy Poehler as Joy

Amy Poehler plays Joy in Inside Out, an incredibly demanding role that required her to portray multiple emotions, including desperation, sadness, hopelessness, and optimism. Her performance is nothing short of a masterpiece, and her presence in the lead role of the narrative is irreplaceable.

Andy Serkis as Gollum

Andy Serkis’s transformative performance as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings series and subsequent films is groundbreaking. Serkis went beyond what was required, performing in a motion-capture suit to portray a character with split personalities and an emotional spectrum that was both dark and tender. His work is a true longevity in the voice acting world.

Ellen DeGeneres as Dory

An iconic voice role comes to life through Ellen DeGeneres as Dory in Finding Nemo. She portrays a character with a heartbreaking mental condition, bringing depth and memorability to the character. Despite some recent controversies, DeGeneres stands out as one of the most recognizable voice actors in the world.

Robin Williams as Genie

Robin Williams revolutionized voice acting in Aladdin, bringing an unprecedented level of creativity and authenticity to the Genie character. Williams' performance was so powerful, hilarious, and heartfelt that it set a new standard for animated voice roles. He pushed the boundaries of what was expected from an animated character, making the Genie one of the most memorable characters in the film.

Anika Noni Rose as Tiana

Anika Noni Rose brings a historical significance and a charm to her portrayal of Tiana, the first Black Disney princess in The Princess and the Frog. Her voice work is not only top-notch but also melodious, as she did her own singing. Her overall range and grace in bringing the character to life is truly commendable.

The Oscar Goes to...

After evaluating the performances listed above, the honor of the top voice acting of all time would go to Andy Serkis as Gollum. Serkis's multi-layered, consistent and evocative performance transcended the boundaries of voice acting and character portrayal, making it a true landmark in the industry.

Follow Us

Join us for more engaging discussions about movies, TV shows, and the film industry at The Tao of Screenwriting/Movies/TV. Stay informed, ask questions, and get inspired by our insights on screenwriting, industry trends, and creative writing exercises.