The actor has been lending his vocals to characters in animated films like Over the Hedge, Osmosis Jones and Escape from Planet Earth, and now he has been selected to receive the Voice Arts Icon Award, following in the footsteps of James Earl Jones, who took home the inaugural title last year (14).

In a statement, Shatner writes, "In voiceover work, the fewer the words, the better the message. I am honored by this award."

Meanwhile, Coming to America star John Amos is up for Outstanding Body of Work, The Cosby Show actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner is shortlisted for Outstanding Spoken Word or Storytelling for Best Performance, and Beyonce has earned a nomination for her part in the audiobook version of nutritionist Marco Borges' The 22-Day Revolution.

The Voice Arts Awards, organised by officials at The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, recognises voiceover talent in film and TV, as well as in the gaming industry and commercials.

The 2015 ceremony will take place at California's Pacific Design Center on 15 November (15).