Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ncuti Gatwa Shines at Inaugural British Audio Awards
Ncuti Gatwa Shines at Inaugural British Audio Awards
24 Nov
Summary
- Gatsby in Harlem won audio of the year and best audio drama adaptation.
- Nicola Coughlan won best sci-fi audiobook for Queen B.
- UK audiobook sales rose 31% in 2024, reaching £268m.
The first-ever British Audio Awards, dubbed the Speakies, recently honored excellence in audiobooks and audio drama. Ncuti Gatwa secured the best performance award for his role in 'Gatsby in Harlem,' which also claimed audio of the year and best audio drama adaptation. The ceremony celebrated the entire audio storytelling ecosystem.
Nicola Coughlan's vibrant narration of Juno Dawson's 'Queen B' earned her the best sci-fi audiobook prize. Other notable wins included David Tennant and Louise Brealey for 'Him' in the crime category, and Mark Gatiss for best narrator. Independent publishers also demonstrated their growing influence.
The awards coincide with significant growth in the UK audio sector, with sales rising 31% to £268 million in 2024. A recent study also revealed that a higher percentage of young people enjoy listening to audiobooks compared to reading for pleasure, underscoring the format's increasing popularity.
