The Golden Globes are set to introduce a new category to acknowledge achievements beyond traditional film and television. Announced today, the "Best Podcast of the Year" category will debut at the awards ceremony scheduled for 11 January 2026. This new addition aims to celebrate the diverse and remarkable talents within the podcasting industry, as outlined in a recent press release.
Highlighting the event’s commitment to embracing a wide range of entertainment forms, the Golden Globes seek to reflect the evolving behaviours and preferences of contemporary audiences. Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne expressed excitement about recognising innovative storytelling methods as the entertainment landscape continues to change. She noted that by honouring achievements in both audio and visual podcasts, the organisation intends to maintain its tradition while also providing a platform for new voices and formats.
Eligibility for the podcast category will be limited to the top 25 podcasts, with six nominees to be selected each year. A spokesperson for the Golden Globes confirmed that various types of podcasts—including narrative, video, interview, and news-based formats—will be considered. Further details regarding eligibility criteria are expected to be released soon.
The glitzy ceremony in 2026 will be hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, marking her second stint in the role after a successful debut earlier this year. Glaser has remarked on her enthusiasm for returning to host, describing it as the most enjoyable experience of her career, and humorously expressed her hopes to be cast in the acclaimed show The White Lotus in the future.
In summary, the Golden Globes are embracing the rise of podcasting, adding a dedicated category to honour this burgeoning medium, while continuing to highlight the broad spectrum of talent in the entertainment industry.