Key Takeaways
- The Golden Globes announced a new Best Podcast category with a list of potential nominees that included controversial figures like Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, and Candace Owens.
- The final list of nominees did not include any of the divisive political commentators, instead featuring podcasts like Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard and NPR’s Up First.
- The Golden Globes voting body, comprised of over 400 international industry media figures, selected the nominees based on listener data provided by Luminate.
- The 83rd Golden Globes ceremony will air on January 11, 2026, and will feature the first-ever Best Podcast award.
Introduction to the Golden Globes’ New Category
The Golden Globes announced a new category for Best Podcast earlier this year, which sparked interest and controversy among the public. The shortlist of potential nominees included several high-profile figures, such as Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, and Candace Owens, who are known for their polarizing views and comments. However, when the final list of nominees was announced, none of these divisive commentators made the cut. Instead, the nominees included a range of podcasts that showcase the diversity and creativity of the medium, such as Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard, Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, and NPR’s Up First.
The Controversy Surrounding the Shortlist
The shortlist of potential nominees was generated by the Golden Globes’ data partner, Luminate, which provides audio analytics and insights to the entertainment industry. The list was based on listener data, which meant that the podcasts included were popular and well-listened to, but not necessarily critically acclaimed or widely accepted. The inclusion of figures like Megyn Kelly, who has been criticized for her comments on sensitive topics, sparked outrage and debate among the public. Kelly’s recent comments on her podcast, in which she downplayed the severity of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, were particularly controversial and drew widespread criticism from celebrities and commentators alike.
The Final List of Nominees
The final list of nominees for the Best Podcast category was announced on Monday, and it features a range of podcasts that showcase the diversity and creativity of the medium. The nominees include Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard, Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, Good Hang With Amy Poehler, The Mel Robbins Podcast, SmartLess (cohosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett), and NPR’s Up First. These podcasts offer a range of perspectives and topics, from investigative journalism to personal storytelling and comedy. The Golden Globes president, Helen Hoehne, praised the nominees, saying that they reflect the "incredible depth, diversity, and creativity thriving in the podcasting world today."
The Significance of the Best Podcast Category
The introduction of the Best Podcast category is a significant development for the Golden Globes, which is the first major entertainment award to recognize the medium. The category acknowledges the growing importance and influence of podcasts in the entertainment industry, and provides a platform for podcasters to showcase their work and reach a wider audience. The Golden Globes president, Helen Hoehne, said that the category "showcases the power of podcasting to inform, entertain, and inspire audiences around the globe." The 83rd Golden Globes ceremony, which will air on January 11, 2026, will feature the first-ever Best Podcast award, and will be hosted by returning emcee Nikki Glaser.
Conclusion
The Golden Globes’ new Best Podcast category has sparked interest and controversy, but ultimately, the final list of nominees features a range of creative and diverse podcasts that showcase the best of the medium. The introduction of the category is a significant development for the Golden Globes, and recognizes the growing importance of podcasts in the entertainment industry. The 83rd Golden Globes ceremony will be a exciting event, and the Best Podcast award will be a highlight of the show. As the podcasting medium continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Golden Globes and other awards shows recognize and celebrate its contributions to the entertainment industry.
