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The 2025 Audio Description Awards Gala: An Evening of Inclusion and Celebration

On November 13, 2025, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and its Audio Description Project (ADP) held the esteemed 5th Annual Audio Description Awards Gala in Alexandria, Virginia. This glittering event recognized advancements in audio description across various fields of entertainment, including film, gaming, and education, highlighting the essential role these innovations play in promoting accessibility.

This year's gala was hosted by passionate advocates and performers, Alie B. Gorrie and Ashley J. Hicks, who both champion accessible storytelling. Throughout the evening, they guided attendees through a celebration that honors creators dedicated to transforming how media is experienced by all audiences, regardless of their vision capabilities.

Recognizing Excellence in Audio Description

The gala celebrated a diverse range of achievements with awards presented across multiple categories:

• - Visionary Award: Matthew Kaplowitz, President and Director of Technology and Innovation for Bridge Multimedia
• - Innovation Award: Earcatch
• - Gaming Award: Ubisoft
• - Popular Entertainment Award: HBO Max
• - Live Events Award: Descriptive Video Works
• - Education Award: Bridge Multimedia
• - Spanish Media (USA) Award: Described and Captioned Media Program
• - International Award: ShazaCin
• - Talent Promotion Award: Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS)
• - Inclusion Excellence Award: Social Audio Description Collective
• - Writing Award: Liz Gutman
• - Voicing Award: Dianne Newman
• - People's Choice Awards: Flow (film) and Dying for Sex (series)

In addition to the awards, presenters and special guests included prominent figures from the entertainment industry, such as actress Isabella Rossellini, author and advocate Mara Lauren Hutchinson, and various influencers who have dedicated their careers to promoting accessibility in media. Their presence underscored the communal effort towards inclusive storytelling.

A Fully Accessible Experience

Understanding the importance of accessibility, this year’s gala incorporated multiple accommodations to ensure that everyone could enjoy the event. The broadcast featured open captions, audio descriptions, American Sign Language interpretation, as well as Spanish dubbing and captions. These elements combined to create a truly inclusive environment that echoes ACB's commitment to improving access for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

The 2025 Audio Description Awards Gala serves as a powerful reminder of how creativity, technology, and inclusivity can intersect to enrich our cultural landscape. Access to the event’s recording is available through the ACB's YouTube channel, ADAwardsGala.org, and Peacock (subscription may be required).

About the American Council of the Blind

The ACB is a national advocacy organization representing individuals who are blind or have low vision. Through its 65 affiliates, it works to ensure independence, equality of opportunity, and an improved quality of life for all affected. Their continued efforts and initiatives highlight the challenges and opportunities within the realm of accessibility in media and beyond.

To learn more about the ACB and its initiatives, visit www.acb.org.

This gala not only recognized remarkable achievements within the field but also sparked conversation and highlighted the importance of open lines of communication in enhancing inclusivity for all audiences.