The awards committee stated regarding the change, “voice acting is a job that transcends gender, as female voice actors sometimes voice male characters and vice-versa.”
Beginning in 2019, the awards introduced four new categories, which include “Foreign Movie/Series Award,” “Game Award,” “Influencer Award,” and “MVS (Most Valuable Seiyū).”
Starting in 2023, the categories of “Best Lead Voice Actor,” “Best Supporting Voice Actor,” and “New Voice Actor” are no longer separated by gender.
The awards ceremony, which revealed the full list of awardees, was held on March 9.