A variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes at least one synchronization ring, a plurality of variable vanes connected to the synchronization ring, a plurality of torque boxes disposed circumferentially about the synchronization ring, a drive ring coupled to each of the torque boxes such that the drive ring causes an approximately identical torque to be applied to the synchronization ring from the torque boxes simultaneously, and an actuator coupled to one of the plurality of torque boxes and operable to drive the drive ring through the torque box.