The Golden Globes is expanding its reach beyond visual cinema by introducing a new category: Best Podcast. This annual award will debut next year at the 83rd ceremony on January 11, 2026.
The new category aims to recognize the worldwide impact of the podcast industry, which has grown into a million-dollar empire, and now reaches a global audience of 584.1 million, according to statistics from Backlinko.
“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling,” said Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne. “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.”
By 2026, podcast audiences are expected to surpass 600 million, according to data analysts Luminate.
The introduction of Best Podcast by the Golden Globes is a laudable step by the award show organizers as they adapt to contemporary trends in modern entertainment. The award show will recognize both audio and visual podcasts that have made a significant impact this year, cutting across various platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
Submissions are expected to come from creators worldwide. Entries will be narrowed down to the Top 25, then further shortlisted to six finalists who will battle it out for the inaugural award.
Rumored contenders for the 2026 Best Podcast category include Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper, Crime Junkie by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, The Daily by Michael Barbaro, and The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan.
The 2026 Golden Globe Awards will once again be hosted by American comedian Nikki Glaser, who dazzled audiences, attendees, and award show organizers at the 2025 ceremony with her sharp wit and engaging commentary.
The Golden Globes is owned and produced by Dick Clark Productions DCP), recognized globally as the leading producer of televised entertainment events.
