The Golden Globes are set to expand their prestigious honors beyond film and television, with a new award recognizing the growing power and popularity of podcasts. The organization announced Monday it will introduce a “Best Podcast of the Year” category at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, scheduled for January 11, 2026.
The new category marks a significant step for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which organizes the annual ceremony, as it seeks to keep pace with changing media consumption habits and the evolution of digital storytelling. The award will recognize excellence in both audio and video podcasts that have made a substantial cultural or creative impact over the previous year.
“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling,” said Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, in a statement. “Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations.”
Embracing a Growing Medium
Podcasts have seen explosive growth over the past decade, evolving from niche programming into a central form of entertainment, education, and journalism. According to entertainment data and analytics firm Luminate, global podcast audiences are projected to exceed 600 million by 2026, a significant increase that reflects the medium’s expanding global footprint.
The Golden Globes’ decision to create a podcast category comes as few other major entertainment awards have done so. Existing honors include the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards, the British Podcast Awards, and the Webby Awards—all of which highlight podcasting as a respected and innovative creative outlet. The People’s Choice Podcast Awards also allow public voting to determine winners across a wide range of genres.
In contrast, the Golden Globes—long known for honoring excellence in film and television—had yet to formally acknowledge podcasting’s cultural influence until now. The addition of a podcast category signals an intentional move to stay relevant in a fast-changing media environment.
How It Will Work
The Golden Globes’ new podcast award will include both audio-only and video podcasts. Organizers said that eligibility will be determined based on a show’s influence, creativity, and relevance over the previous year. The top 25 most popular podcasts will be considered for nomination, with six finalists ultimately selected. A full list of eligibility requirements and submission guidelines is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
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Among the podcasts currently leading global charts and likely to be in the awards conversation are SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett; Call Her Daddy, hosted by Alex Cooper; and The Joe Rogan Experience. These programs have built massive followings by blending celebrity interviews, humor, and cultural commentary.
A Cultural Milestone for the Globes
The addition of the podcast category is the latest evolution in a revitalization effort by the Golden Globes, following years of controversy and reform. The 2025 ceremony, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, was widely viewed as a return to form, drawing solid ratings and industry praise for its mix of humor, glamour, and inclusivity. Glaser is also set to return as host for the 2026 show.
By embracing podcasting, the Golden Globes are sending a message that they are prepared to move beyond traditional media silos and recognize the diverse ways people are consuming content today.
“The Golden Globes have always celebrated the best in film and television,” Hoehne said. “Now, we’re making room for new voices and formats to be heard.”
Broader Industry Trends
The decision to add a podcast category comes amid growing investment in audio entertainment across Hollywood. Major production studios, including Amazon, Netflix, and Warner Bros., have launched podcast divisions in recent years, using the medium both to create original content and as a pipeline for developing IP that can be adapted into TV or film.
In 2023, Spotify launched an exclusive podcast deal with Trevor Noah, while Apple has ramped up its Apple Podcasts platform with subscription models and original content. Media companies are also seeing podcasts as a crucial engagement tool for younger audiences, many of whom prefer on-demand, mobile-first content over traditional TV.
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Podcasts have also become critical platforms for social issues, investigative journalism, and documentary storytelling. Programs such as Serial, This American Life, Radiolab, and The Daily have redefined the boundaries of journalism and storytelling, often rivaling or surpassing traditional broadcast in influence.
A Forward-Looking Move
The move by the Golden Globes represents a broader shift in how traditional institutions are adapting to new formats, much like the inclusion of video games at the Grammys or the Emmys’ growing acknowledgment of streaming-first series. With the podcast category, the HFPA is aiming to capture the spirit of modern creativity and cultural relevance.
Variety’s parent company, Penske Media Corporation, owns Dick Clark Productions, which produces the Golden Globes in partnership with Eldridge. The 2026 awards ceremony is expected to be held in Los Angeles and broadcast globally, with more updates and category changes expected in the months ahead.
As podcasting continues to influence the entertainment industry, its recognition on one of Hollywood’s biggest stages marks not only a milestone for creators but a signal that the boundaries of storytelling continue to expand.
