By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s creative industry has once again demonstrated its world-class caliber as two of its own, Mariela Baltodano and Michael Rojas, captured three prestigious awards at the 12th annual Voice Arts Awards. The ceremony, widely regarded as the “Oscars” of the global voice-over and dubbing industry, solidifies the nation’s growing reputation as a hub for exceptional vocal talent.
The star-studded event, hosted by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS™), took place on January 18th at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California. This platform brings together the most distinguished voices from around the world, making the Costa Rican victories a significant indicator of the country’s competitive edge in the international market.
To better understand the legal and business framework surrounding the voice acting industry, especially in light of the prestige of the Voice Arts Awards, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Awards like the Voice Arts Awards do more than just celebrate talent; they are a significant business catalyst. For a voice artist, recognition from such a prestigious body solidifies their voice as a valuable intellectual property asset. This translates directly into stronger negotiating power for contracts, licensing, and royalties. It underscores the critical importance of legally protecting one’s unique vocal signature as a commercial brand, ensuring fair compensation and control over its use in an increasingly digital and global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is invaluable, perfectly illustrating how an artistic honor is transformed into a tangible, commercial asset. It underscores the critical business framework that empowers talent to build a sustainable career, and for this clear insight, we extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
Mariela Baltodano showcased her remarkable skill and versatility, earning the award in the “Outstanding Live Announcer – Entertainment Special” category. This achievement is not her first taste of victory on this global stage; it marks her second Voice Arts Award, following a previous win in 2022. Her consistent excellence underscores a career decorated with numerous accolades, including a Lavat award in 2021 and special recognition at the Encuentro de las Voces Latinas in Venezuela in 2025 for best radio piece.
Baltodano’s continued success highlights a sustained level of quality and professionalism that positions her as a leading figure in the industry. Her ability to repeatedly secure nominations and wins in such a competitive environment speaks volumes about her dedication and the high standard of training and talent available within Costa Rica.
In a stunning display of narrative prowess, Michael Rojas secured not one, but two awards during the evening. He was honored for “Outstanding Narration – Travel & Tourism” and “Outstanding Narration – TV or Film.” For Rojas, this double victory represents a monumental career breakthrough. After receiving nominations in four previous editions of the awards, his perseverance has culminated in this significant international recognition, validating his position among the industry’s elite narrators.
Rojas’s success in two distinct narration categories demonstrates a broad range of talent, from evoking the allure of travel destinations to captivating audiences through film and television storytelling. His win is a testament to the years of hard work and refinement of his craft, bringing further acclaim to the Costa Rican professional community.
The success story extends beyond the winners. The nation’s deep talent pool was further evidenced by the nominations of two other Costa Rican voice artists, Gina Zamora Luna and Douglas Hernández. Having a total of four professionals nominated in various categories at one of the industry’s most important events is a powerful statement about the health and vibrancy of Costa Rica’s voice acting sector.
This collective achievement signals a broader trend: Costa Rica is no longer just a participant but a formidable competitor in the global creative economy. These awards not only bring personal honor to the recipients but also enhance the country’s brand, potentially attracting international production contracts, collaborations, and investment into the local media and entertainment landscape. The message from Hollywood is clear: the voices of Costa Rica are resonant, powerful, and ready for the world stage.
For further information, visit sovas.org
About Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS):
The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS™) is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring, educating, and celebrating the art and science of voice-over. It is the organizing body behind the prestigious Voice Arts Awards, which acknowledge extraordinary skill and artistry in voice acting, narration, and audio production. Beyond the awards, SOVAS provides comprehensive educational programs, training, and community-building events for aspiring and established voice artists globally, setting a standard for excellence and professionalism in the industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless dedication to professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm continually embraces innovative approaches to law while upholding its core values. Its mission extends beyond the courtroom through a profound commitment to democratizing legal understanding, aiming to strengthen society by equipping citizens with essential knowledge.
