The Golden Globes are ready to take another step in their evolution and, honestly, it’s about time! Starting with its 83rd edition, to be held on January 11, 2026, this prestigious ceremony will include a new category that puts the spotlight on an ever-growing form of storytelling: podcasts.
That’s right! The format that many of us listen to on the way to work, while cooking or simply for inspiration, will finally have its place among the greats. This new category seeks to recognize the talent, creativity and ability to connect with millions of listeners around the world that audio content creators have (and also in video, because they are not falling short).
A recognition of the audio era
As revealed by the organization, the award will be for the “Best Podcast of the Year” and will highlight the best narrative, informative, interview or video format works that have left their mark during the previous year. And so that this does not become a sea of options impossible to evaluate, there will be a first filter: only the 25 most popular podcasts will be considered to compete, and from there six finalists will be chosen to aspire to the coveted Golden Globe.
Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, explained the reason for this new bet: “We want to celebrate new forms of storytelling. Podcasts not only entertain, they also build communities and cross borders, generations and cultures. To give them this space is to recognize their impact and relevance.”
And boy, are they right. From podcasts that make us laugh to those that make our skin crawl with paranormal tales, this format has established itself as a fundamental source of modern entertainment. Shows like The Joe Rogan Experience, for example, have achieved numbers that rival those of major television productions, so it was only a matter of time before Hollywood’s most glamorous awards shows took note.
A new era for the awards
The Golden Globes have not stopped reinventing themselves. In recent years, they had already added categories such as “Best Stand-Up Comedy” and “Best Motion Picture Achievement at the Box Office”, showing their openness to new artistic expressions and to what the public is really consuming.
Now, with the inclusion of podcasts, the organizers are taking another important step towards modernization. The goal is clear: to reflect the current entertainment landscape and open the door to new voices and formats that are shaping the global conversation.
And speaking of voices, comedian Nikki Glaser will return as host of the ceremony in 2026. Her hosting debut this year was a total success, and she herself confessed that it was “the funniest thing she’s ever done in her career.” She even joked that she hopes her return will open the door to a role on the next season of The White Lotus. Can you imagine Glaser as a Scandinavian pilates instructor with a dark past? We can, and it would be epic.
How will the winner be chosen?
While the full criteria for entry have not yet been revealed, what is known is that the selection will be based on both popularity and narrative impact. The organizers have promised to share full eligibility details soon, but have already announced that both audio-only and audio-visual podcasts will be eligible to compete.
This opens up a huge range of possibilities, from immersive true-crime narratives to intimate conversations with celebrities, news analysis, life stories, audio fiction and more.
In short: if you have a microphone, a good story and a connection with your audience, you could be on your way to the Golden Globes. That’s how exciting the landscape is.
The podcast boom, now backed by the big boys
That an award show as iconic as the Golden Globes decided to integrate this category is much more than just a nod to the current moment. It is a confirmation that the podcast is no longer an “alternative format”, but an essential medium of 21st century entertainment.
And it’s also great news for content creators who have built empires from their home studios, sharing stories that make people laugh, cry or think. With this new category, not only is their work being recognized, but their voice is being amplified on a global level.
In addition, this announcement marks the third new category introduced since Dick Clark Productions (the company behind Deadline) acquired the rights to the event in 2023. A clear indicator that the Globes are determined to renew themselves and stay relevant in a world where streaming, on-demand content and digital platforms dominate the conversation.
See you in January 2026!
The upcoming ceremony promises not only more glamour, laughter and surprises, but also a special space to celebrate that content that often accompanies us in silence, through our headphones, but has a huge impact on our daily lives.
So now you know: if you are a podcast creator or simply a fan of the format, get ready to see your favorites take the golden stage at the Golden Globes. The future of entertainment is already buzzing… and very loud!