The Golden Globes are set to make a historic shift in the entertainment awards landscape by introducing a Best Podcast category for the upcoming 83rd Golden Globe Awards, scheduled for January 11, 2026. This announcement, made by Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne on May 7, 2025, marks the first time a major film and television awards show has recognized podcasts, an increasingly popular medium.
Hoehne expressed enthusiasm about this new direction, stating, “As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling. Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations.” This initiative reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where the influence of podcasts has grown significantly, with audiences projected to surpass 600 million by 2026, according to entertainment data firm Luminate.
The Best Podcast category will include both audio and video formats, acknowledging the diverse landscape of content available to listeners. According to the Golden Globes, the six nominees will be selected from the top 25 podcasts, although specific eligibility criteria and further details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. This approach aims to spotlight podcasts that have made a significant impact over the past year.
In recent years, the Golden Globes have expanded their categories to include new forms of entertainment. The addition of the Best Podcast category is the third since Dick Clark Productions acquired the Golden Globes in June 2023. The 2024 ceremony saw the introduction of categories honoring Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in Motion Pictures and Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television. At the 82nd Golden Globes, which took place earlier this year, the awards for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement went to Wicked, while Ali Wong: Single Lady won for Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television.
While podcasts have been honored in various digital-forward awards shows, including the Webby Awards, the Ambies, and the iHeart Podcast Awards, the Golden Globes’ new category represents a significant step in mainstream recognition for the medium. Other awards organizations, such as the Peabody Awards and the NAACP Image Awards, have also begun to include podcast categories, but none have achieved the same level of visibility as the Golden Globes.
Among the current top 25 podcasts that could potentially be nominated are SmartLess, featuring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett; Call Her Daddy, hosted by Alex Cooper; and The Joe Rogan Experience. These shows have garnered substantial followings, and their inclusion in the nomination pool highlights the competitive nature of the podcasting landscape.
As the Golden Globes prepare for this new chapter, the organization is keen to adapt to shifting audience preferences and embrace emerging formats. Hoehne emphasized that the goal is to honor heritage categories while making room for new voices and formats to be heard. This sentiment resonates with the growing podcasting community, which has become a vital platform for storytelling and creative expression.
The nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes will be announced on December 8, 2025, generating anticipation for which podcasts will be recognized among the elite. The awards ceremony will air live on CBS and Paramount+ with Showtime, featuring comedian Nikki Glaser returning as the host. Glaser's involvement has been well-received, and her comedic style is expected to bring a fresh energy to the event.
As the Golden Globes evolve, the introduction of the Best Podcast category not only acknowledges the importance of podcasts in contemporary media but also sets a precedent for future awards shows to follow suit. This recognition could pave the way for further inclusivity in award categories, reflecting the diverse ways in which stories are told today.
In a world where the lines between traditional media and digital platforms continue to blur, the Golden Globes’ decision to embrace podcasts signifies a commitment to honoring all forms of storytelling. With the rise of podcasts as a cultural phenomenon, this new category is likely to generate excitement and discussion among audiences, creators, and industry professionals alike.
As the awards date approaches, many are left wondering which podcasts will receive the nod and how this new category will change the landscape of awards recognition in the future. The Golden Globes are poised to not only celebrate achievements in film and television but also to shine a light on the innovative and impactful world of podcasting.
