We all know the Golden Globes are one of the biggest nights of the year for TV and film, but now podcasts have joined the chat.
2026 is the first year that the awards will reward a prize for Best Podcast and you’re bound to recognise a few.
Why are podcasts being nominated?
The decision to include podcasts as part of the Golden Globes is one of the biggest shake-ups since the box office and cinematic achievement category was introduced in 2023.
Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, reflected in a statement how this audio medium has become a “profound” channel that’s part of the mainstream.
“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognise new forms of storytelling,” she said.
“Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations.”
Check out the full criteria for eligibility here.
Why is the Best Podcast award so controversial?
Following the announcement of the new award, podcasting giants and fans were quick to share their excitement.
Jay Shetty, the host of mental health podcast On Purpose commented, “Fantastic to see podcasting being recognised in this way. Thank you @goldenglobes.”
However not everyone was impressed with many fans remarking that the awards should be dedicated solely to television and film and deeming the new category “unnecessary”.
“What is gonna be next?? Best TikTok??” one wrote on the official Golden Globes’ page.
Who is nominated for Best Podcast at the Golden Globes 2026?
Determined by the Globes data partner, Luminate, the entertainment industry’s leading authority on audio analytics and insights, the nominations were whittled down to six.
These include Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Call Her Daddy, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, SmartLess, The Mel Robbins Podcast and Up First.
SiriusXM Podcasts shared their delight after earning three Golden Globe nominations for Best Podcast.
“Huge congratulations to Call Her Daddy, SmartLess, The Mel Robbins Podcast and their teams on their incredible audio storytelling,” their official account posted.
In the original list of 25, there were several political ones from both right and left-wing producers including Candace Owens, Joe Rogan and Pod Save America from President Barack Obama’s former staffers.
Who will win Best Podcast at the 2026 Golden Globes?
With downloads surpassing the millions it’s unclear who will take the inaugural prize.
However Variety has predicted that Good Hang with Amy Poehler, hosted by former Golden Globes host and Saturday Night Live alum Amy Poehler, is most likely to win.
Guess we shall have to stay tuned!
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