Golden Globes 2026 to Award First-Ever Best Podcast Category

The Golden Globes will introduce a Podcast best category at the 83rd Globes in 2026, marking the first time a major film and TV awards show has officially recognized podcasting as a standalone medium.

In the past decade podcast popularity has soared across the globe with millions falling in love with the medium for its uncensored storytelling, minimal government and media interference, and authentic creator-driven content.

“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling,” Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne said in a press release, according to deadline.com. “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.”

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Criteria for Best Podcast category, 2026

While details are few about the criteria for the new category; according to the Globes today, the “top 25 podcasts” will qualify for consideration, with a total of six final nominations for the category. Eligibility requirements for those rankings and other details are yet to be announced.

The Best Podcast category becomes the third Globes category added to the ceremony since the awards show was acquired in June 2023 by Dick Clark Productions, co-owned by Eldridge and Deadline parent PMC. 

Podcasts have been recognized mostly in digital-forward awards shows like the Webby Awards, the Ambies, the iHeart Podcast Awards, and the Shorty Awards. Other awards groups that have podcast categories include the Peabody Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards.

Nominations for the 2026 Globes in all now 27 categories will be announced December 8, with the winners announced on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the Beverly Hilton during the 83rd Golden Globes Awards.