SONARR Returns in 2027 With a $10,000 Cash Prize Pool and a New Initiative
SONARR, Australia’s audio industry awards, has announced its second edition. Submissions open at 10am on 1 June 2027, offering another \$10,000 AUD cash prize pool for the top winners. The team will also launch SONARR Lounge, a new initiative running alongside the SONARR Awards.
The announcement comes two weeks after the inaugural gala, which drew almost 400 entries and recognised 91 finalists and 34 winners from every state and trade in the audio industry. Around two-thirds of 2026 winners were independent creators, recognised alongside productions from major networks such as ABC, Listnr, Newscorp, Nova and SBS. The result reflects SONARR’s commitment to giving independent productions a place on the same platform as the industry’s biggest names.
Eligibility and fees for the awards remain unchanged. Podcast, radio, audiobook and voiceover productions can enter, whether independent or from organisations with four or more employees. Entry is \$75 AUD for independents and \$250 AUD for commercial productions.
Entries are assessed and judged through the rigorous SONARR standard powered by leading industry and academic voices.
What is the SONARR Lounge?
SONARR will also launch SONARR Lounge, a new initiative of workshops and masterclasses for the wider industry and audio enthusiasts. It will run alongside the awards, separate from entries and judging.
Founder Pariya Taherzadeh said the industry’s response shaped what comes next:
“The feedback from the industry has been generous and clear: Australian audio was ready for a refresh and wanted more from it. We’ve listened, and 2027 is our answer. SONARR is about more than just another night in the year. The SONARR Lounge is getting its own programs separate to the awards, and details are coming soon.”
The inaugural awards were supported by AFTRS, RØDE, Original Audio and AAVA, as well as more than 40 Australian practitioners and academics.
About Sonarr
SONARR Awards (Sound and Narrative) is Australia's dedicated awards initiative for excellence across the full audio landscape including Podcast, Radio, Audiobook, and Voice-over. SONARR champions independent voices, diverse storytelling, regional reach, and practitioner-led standards of excellence. Founded by award-winning executive producer and academic Pariya Taherzadeh and supported by AFTRS in its inaugural year, SONARR sets a new benchmark for recognising craft and artistry in categories that have never been recognised in the audio industry.
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