Unveiling the Contenders: The Inaugural Best Podcast Award Nominees at the 2026 Golden Globes

The lineup of podcasts eligible for consideration for the inaugural best podcast award at the 2026 Golden Globes has been unveiled. Among the contenders are popular shows like 20/20, 48 Hours, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Call Her Daddy, and many more. These podcasts have been selected based on their significant impact and creativity in the past year.
The Golden Globe Awards, traditionally known for honoring excellence in film and television, are now recognizing the growing influence of podcasts in the entertainment industry. The nominees for the best podcast award are chosen from the top 25 most-listened-to podcasts, reflecting the diverse storytelling and global reach of podcast creators.
The selection process for the best podcast award is based on data from leading podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. The Golden Globes organization aims to celebrate the evolving landscape of entertainment by acknowledging the storytelling achievements in both audio and visual podcasts, providing a platform for new voices and formats to be recognized.
The winner of the best podcast award will be revealed during the 83rd Golden Globes ceremony, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. The event will be broadcast on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+. Additional nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes will be announced at a later date, building anticipation for the prestigious awards show.
In a groundbreaking move, The Hollywood Reporter will produce a dedicated Podcast Roundtable featuring top contenders for the best podcast category at the Golden Globes. This collaboration with Spotify will showcase the diverse voices and innovative storytelling in the podcasting industry, offering audiences a glimpse into the creative minds behind the nominated shows. Stay tuned for the full Podcast Roundtable airing in November on THR's platforms and Spotify.
The 2026 Golden Globes are set to celebrate the best in podcasting, recognizing the impact and creativity of creators in the digital storytelling space. With a diverse lineup of nominees and a commitment to honoring new voices and formats, the Golden Globes are embracing the evolution of entertainment and highlighting the power of podcasts in shaping narratives and building communities.