Starting in 2026, the Golden Globes will introduce a groundbreaking category: Best Podcast, marking a historic moment for one of Hollywood’s biggest events.
For the first time, the prestigious awards show, traditionally focused on film and television, will officially recognize podcasting as a distinct and influential medium.
This move reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment, where podcasts have become a cultural juggernaut, blending storytelling, journalism, therapy, and comedy — sometimes all at once.
Details about the new category are still emerging. According to the Golden Globes, the top 25 podcasts will qualify for consideration, with six making the final shortlist of nominees.
Both audio and visual podcasts will be eligible, broadening the scope to include diverse formats that have captivated global audiences.
Specific criteria for selection remain under wraps, with organizers promising to reveal more in the coming weeks. The 83rd Golden Globes, set for January 11, 2026, and airing live on CBS and Paramount+, will be hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, who returns after a successful debut earlier this year.
The decision to honor podcasts aligns with the Golden Globes’ stated mission to “recognize new forms of storytelling” and create space “for new voices and formats to be heard,” as articulated by president Helen Hoehne.
It’s a timely acknowledgment of a medium that has exploded in popularity, with the global podcasting market valued at $7.3 billion in 2025 and projected to grow even further.
Podcasts have transcended their early niche, becoming a platform for everything from cinematic audio dramas to investigative journalism, mental health discussions, and stand-up comedy specials.
With an estimated global audience surpassing 600 million in the next year, the medium’s influence is undeniable.
This isn’t the first time podcasts have been celebrated — digital-forward awards like the Webby Awards, the Ambies, and the iHeart Podcast Awards have long recognized the genre.
However, the Golden Globes’ inclusion marks a significant shift, as it’s the first major film and TV awards show to dedicate a category to podcasting.
The move also follows the Globes’ recent trend of expanding its scope, having added categories like Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance on Television and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement since its acquisition by Dick Clark Productions in 2023.
Speculation is already swirling about potential nominees. Will heavyweights like The Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper, or The Daily dominate the shortlist?
Or will smaller, narrative-driven podcasts like Crime Junkie or The Diary of a CEO steal the spotlight?
The diversity of the medium ensures a wide field, from raw, unfiltered conversations to polished, cinematic productions.
Also read:
- Spotify Introduces Public Play Counts for Podcasts, Highlighting Engagement Metrics
- a16z Acquires Podcast Network Turpentine, Appoints Founder Erik Torenberg as General Partner
- Patreon Emerges as the Unexpected Powerhouse in Podcasting
As the Golden Globes prepare to welcome podcasters to Hollywood’s glitziest stage, the question remains: who will take home the inaugural Best Podcast award? Share your predictions and favorite podcasts in the comments below—this is one category where every listener’s voice matters.
