What new category is being introduced at the Golden Globe Awards?
Who are some of the notable figures that might be nominated?
What criteria will be used to select nominees for the best podcast category?
When will the first winner of the best podcast category be announced?
What does the president of the Golden Globes organization say about the evolution of storytelling?
Who owns Dick Clark Productions, the producer of the Golden Globes?
It would appear that Joe Rogan (The Joe Rogan Experience), Alex Cooper (Call Her Daddy) and Megyn Kelly (The Megyn Kelly Show) could soon be invited to “Hollywood’s Party of the Year.” That’s because the Golden Globe Awards, which for decades have celebrated the best of film and television, are broadening their horizons: they will now fête podcasts too, the organization behind the event announced on Wednesday.
The Globes’ best podcast category will feature six nominees, chosen from among the 25 most-listened-to podcasts, “that have made a significant impact over the past year, celebrating the creativity and influence of creators worldwide.” (Comprehensive eligibility criteria and additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.)
The category’s first winner will be crowned during the 83rd Golden Globes ceremony, which will air on CBS, stream on Paramount+ and be hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling,” Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes organization, said in a statement. “Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations. By celebrating achievements in both audio and visual podcasts, we aim to honor our heritage categories while making room for new voices and formats to be heard.”
Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter.
The Exciting Launch of the Best Podcast Award in 2026
As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, the announcement of the Best Podcast Award set to debut in 2026 has sent ripples of excitement throughout the audio entertainment community. This recognition not only aims to honor the growing diversity of podcasting but also positions itself as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and community building.
The Rise of Podcasting
Podcasting has transformed from a niche medium to a mainstream phenomenon over the last decade. With millions of podcasts and billions of episodes available globally, the medium caters to an incredibly wide range of interests—from true crime and history to comedy and self-help. In 2023 alone, over 60% of the U.S. population reported listening to podcasts, illustrating the format’s significant cultural footprint. Given this explosive growth, the establishment of a dedicated award to celebrate the best in the field is a natural evolution.
Purpose and Goals of the Best Podcast Award
The Best Podcast Award seeks to accomplish several important objectives:
Recognition of Excellence: Just as the Academy Awards honor achievements in film, this award aims to shine a spotlight on exceptional podcasts that exhibit high production standards, storytelling prowess, and innovative ideas.
Encouragement of Diversity: Podcasting is rich with diverse voices and perspectives. The Best Podcast Award will actively promote inclusivity by giving representation to underrepresented communities, helping to amplify their stories and experiences.
Fostering Community: By creating an annual event surrounding these awards, the initiative will bring together creators, listeners, and industry professionals, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the podcasting world.
- Driving Innovation: Awards often serve to elevate industry standards. By recognizing groundbreaking content and unique formats, the initiative aims to inspire podcasters to push boundaries and experiment with new ideas.
Award Categories
The Best Podcast Award will feature multiple categories to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the podcasting landscape. Some prospective categories include:
- Best Original Series: Acknowledging podcasts that provide unique storytelling experiences.
- Best Documentary Podcast: Recognizing investigative and informative series that shed light on important issues.
- Best Comedy Podcast: Highlighting shows that bring joy and laughter to listeners.
- Best Host/Co-Host: Acknowledging individual talents who bring exceptional charisma and insight to their shows.
- Best Podcast for Social Impact: Celebrating podcasts that focus on social justice, environmental issues, or community upliftment.
- Best New Podcast: Honoring fresh voices and innovative ideas in the podcasting world.
Each category will be evaluated based on criteria including storytelling, production quality, listener engagement, and overall impact.
Nominations and Voting Process
The nomination process for the Best Podcast Award is designed to be both inclusive and transparent. Podcasters will be invited to submit their shows for consideration starting in early 2025. A panel of judges composed of industry experts, experienced podcasters, and influential voices will sift through the nominations, ultimately selecting nominees for each category.
The voting process will then be opened to the public, allowing podcast listeners to have their say in who they believe deserves recognition. This focus on community engagement not only empowers listeners but also encourages podcasters to cultivate dedicated fan bases.
The Importance of Transparency and Integrity
In an age where award shows often face scrutiny for lack of transparency, the Best Podcast Award aims to maintain its integrity through clear guidelines and a rigorous selection process. All judges will be disclosed, and their backgrounds will be made public to foster trust in the award’s evaluation criteria. Creating a robust framework for the selection and voting processes will ensure that the awards remain credible and respected within the industry.
The Impact on Podcasters
Winning or even being nominated for the Best Podcast Award has the potential to transform the careers of podcasters. Recognition can lead to increased visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and collaborations that help propel them to new heights. It can also affirm their work’s significance within the broader cultural narrative, encouraging them to continue pushing creative boundaries.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we approach the launch of the Best Podcast Award in 2026, the excitement in the podcasting community continues to build. The award not only promises to celebrate the best and brightest contributors to the medium but also serves as a rallying point for all who believe in the power of storytelling through audio.
With plans for an engaging awards ceremony, performances, and discussions, the event promises to become a highlight in the podcasting calendar. It will provide a platform for networking and collaboration, which is vital for the growth and sustainability of the medium.
Conclusion
The Best Podcast Award set to debut in 2026 is not just a recognition of excellence; it’s a celebration of a vibrant community that has flourished in the last decade. Encouraging diversity, fostering innovation, and uniting creators and audiences alike, this award represents a milestone in the world of podcasting. As we await the launch, one thing is clear: the future of podcasting looks brighter than ever.
The American Writing Awards is set to honor the best in independent podcasting with its 2026 Podcast of the Year award. This international award is open to all podcasts, regardless of country of origin or language, provided they are transcribed or translated into English. The registration deadline for submissions is February 15, 2026, with winners announced on March 8, 2026. (americanwritingawards.com)
In addition to the Podcast of the Year award, the American Writing Awards features various categories, including Adventure & Travel, Arts, Best Female Hosted Podcast, Best Male Hosted Podcast, Business, Comedy, Crime, Diversity & Inclusion, Drama, Education, Entertainment, Fantasy & Sci-Fi, Fiction, Finance & Investing, Food & Beverage, Games and Hobbies, Government and Organizations, Health, History, Horror & Paranormal, Humor & Satire, Interview-Style Podcasts, Kids and Family, Leisure, LGBTQ, Motivation & Success, Music, Parenting, Personal Journeys, Politics and News, Relationships & Dating, Religion and Spirituality, Science, Self-Improvement & Wellness, Society and Culture, Sports, Technology, TV and Film. (americanwritingawards.com)
The Ambies, or the Awards for Excellence in Audio, are another prominent recognition in the podcast industry. Established by The Podcast Academy in 2020, the Ambies honor artistic and technical merit in podcasting across two main categories: Show Recognition and Talent Recognition. The winners are selected by a vote from Podcast Academy members. The fifth annual Ambies were held in Chicago on March 31, 2025, hosted by Tig Notaro. (en.wikipedia.org)
These awards play a crucial role in acknowledging and celebrating the diverse and dynamic world of podcasting, highlighting excellence across various genres and formats.