Golden Globes podcast category is controversial for so many reasons Patrick Ryan, USA TODAYJanuary 10, 2026 at 8:01 AM 0 Seemingly, everyone has a podcast now. So it's about time that major awards shows caught up, right? This year, the Golden Globes are wading into previously uncharted territory with the introduction of the award for podcast of the year, which seeks to honor the medium's most "extraordinary and diverse talents," according to the organization. But like any big shift, the news hasn't been without backlash.
- - Golden Globes podcast category is controversial for so many reasons
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAYJanuary 10, 2026 at 8:01 AM
0
Seemingly, everyone has a podcast now.
So it's about time that major awards shows caught up, right? This year, the Golden Globes are wading into previously uncharted territory with the introduction of the award for podcast of the year, which seeks to honor the medium's most "extraordinary and diverse talents," according to the organization.
But like any big shift, the news hasn't been without backlash. Here's what you about the new category at the Golden Globe Awards, which will be hosted once again by Nikki Glaser on Sunday, Jan. 11 (CBS and Paramount+, 8 p.m. ET/5 PT).
Why did the Golden Globes add a podcast category?
Amy Poehler, a four-time host of the Golden Globes, is now competing in the awards show's new podcast category.
Last spring, the Golden Globes announced the show would add a podcast category for 2026 because of the medium's "seismic growth," reflecting "today's audiences and consumption behavior." According to data tracker Luminate, the global audience for podcasts is expected to surpass 600 million people this year.
"As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling," Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne said in a statement last May. "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."
What is the controversy around the Golden Globes podcast category?
Daily Wire co-founder and "The Ben Shapiro Show" host Ben Shapiro speaks during AmericaFest in Phoenix on Dec. 18.
The new podcast category drummed up minor controversy with the revelation that Luminate would narrow down the list of eligible podcasts to 25. Penske Media owns the Golden Globes, Luminate and major entertainment publications that cover podcasts such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. In response, a Los Angeles Times story accused the new category of being both unethical and "a money grab."
The list of 25 qualifying podcasts also included contentious right-wing shows with Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro, the latter of whom campaigned heavily for a nomination. Shapiro did "for your consideration" interviews leading up to voting, and his conservative media company, The Daily Wire, went so far as to buy "The Ben Shapiro Show" billboards in Times Square.
But ultimately, no political podcasts were nominated in favor of down-the-middle, entertainment-focused shows.
The 25 podcasts that were eligible for the award:
"20/20" (ABC News)
"48 Hours" (CBS News)
"Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard"
"Call Her Daddy"
"Candace"
"Crime Junkie"
"Dateline NBC"
"Good Hang With Amy Poehler"
"Morbid"
"MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories"
"Pardon My Take"
"Pod Save America"
"Rotten Mango"
"Shawn Ryan Show"
"SmartLess"
"Stuff You Should Know"
"The Ben Shapiro Show"
"The Bill Simmons Podcast"
"The Daily" (The New York Times)
"The Joe Rogan Experience"
"The Megyn Kelly Show"
"The Mel Robbins Podcast"
"The Tucker Carlson Show"
"This Past Weekend With Theo Von"
"Up First" from NPR
Who is nominated for podcast of the year at the Golden Globe Awards?First up: In 2025, Kerry Washington donned an intensely pink Balenciaga gown that resembled a crumpled piece of tissue paper, accessorized with black opera gloves, sheer stockings and pointed-toe pumps.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>We're taking a look back at some of the most jaw-dropping and unique red carpet looks at the Golden Globe Awards through the years. First up: In 2025, Kerry Washington donned an intensely pink Balenciaga gown that resembled a crumpled piece of tissue paper, accessorized with black opera gloves, sheer stockings and pointed-toe pumps.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/XFfoqw2 class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
We're taking a look back at some of the most jaw-dropping and unique red carpet looks at the Golden Globe Awards through the years. First up: In 2025, Kerry Washington donned an intensely pink Balenciaga gown that resembled a crumpled piece of tissue paper, accessorized with black opera gloves, sheer stockings and pointed-toe pumps.
">We're taking a look back at some of the most jaw-dropping and unique red carpet looks at the Golden Globe Awards through the years. First up: In 2025, Kerry Washington donned an intensely pink Balenciaga gown that resembled a crumpled piece of tissue paper, accessorized with black opera gloves, sheer stockings and pointed-toe pumps.
" src=https://ift.tt/XFfoqw2 class=caas-img>Naomi Watts wore Schiaparelli for 2025. The strapless gown was finished with pale pink petals that brought to mind a mushroom.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/yNRYZ2I class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Naomi Watts wore Schiaparelli for 2025. The strapless gown was finished with pale pink petals that brought to mind a mushroom.
">Naomi Watts wore Schiaparelli for 2025. The strapless gown was finished with pale pink petals that brought to mind a mushroom.
" src=https://ift.tt/yNRYZ2I class=caas-img>Ali Wong chose Elmo-red Balenciaga, another 2025 look set off with long black gloves.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/c4NCTXA class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Ali Wong chose Elmo-red Balenciaga, another 2025 look set off with long black gloves.
">Ali Wong chose Elmo-red Balenciaga, another 2025 look set off with long black gloves.
" src=https://ift.tt/c4NCTXA class=caas-img>In 2024, Natasha Lyonne donned a structured white Schiaparelli gown that resembled a fish tail.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/DtBJoVN class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
In 2024, Natasha Lyonne donned a structured white Schiaparelli gown that resembled a fish tail.
">In 2024, Natasha Lyonne donned a structured white Schiaparelli gown that resembled a fish tail.
" src=https://ift.tt/DtBJoVN class=caas-img>
Ludwig Göransson and his wife Serena Göransson didn't shy away from a pop of color in 2023. The couple stood out on the red carpet donning a silky lilac gown and a bright lime green suit.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/o31PLuD class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Ludwig Göransson and his wife Serena Göransson didn't shy away from a pop of color in 2023. The couple stood out on the red carpet donning a silky lilac gown and a bright lime green suit.
">Ludwig Göransson and his wife Serena Göransson didn't shy away from a pop of color in 2023. The couple stood out on the red carpet donning a silky lilac gown and a bright lime green suit.
" src=https://ift.tt/o31PLuD class=caas-img>
Adam Scott ditched the classic black suit and opted for teal pants and jacket, accessorized with a thin bow instead of a tie in 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/IGO8zhu class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Adam Scott ditched the classic black suit and opted for teal pants and jacket, accessorized with a thin bow instead of a tie in 2023.
">Adam Scott ditched the classic black suit and opted for teal pants and jacket, accessorized with a thin bow instead of a tie in 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/IGO8zhu class=caas-img>Chic and classic, yes, but Selena Gomez's larger-than-life sleeves caught our eye in 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/1yfDZ6u class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Chic and classic, yes, but Selena Gomez's larger-than-life sleeves caught our eye in 2023.
">Chic and classic, yes, but Selena Gomez's larger-than-life sleeves caught our eye in 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/1yfDZ6u class=caas-img>
Billy Porter never fails to bring the "wow factor," and he did not disappoint in 2020. Porter showed up and showed out with an over-the-top, all-white outfit complete with a train.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/lF0tTZB class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Billy Porter never fails to bring the "wow factor," and he did not disappoint in 2020. Porter showed up and showed out with an over-the-top, all-white outfit complete with a train.
">Billy Porter never fails to bring the "wow factor," and he did not disappoint in 2020. Porter showed up and showed out with an over-the-top, all-white outfit complete with a train.
" src=https://ift.tt/lF0tTZB class=caas-img>Jennifer Lopez went for a gown that popped with a giant metallic gold bow front and center in 2020.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/pElok4M class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Jennifer Lopez went for a gown that popped with a giant metallic gold bow front and center in 2020.
">Jennifer Lopez went for a gown that popped with a giant metallic gold bow front and center in 2020.
" src=https://ift.tt/pElok4M class=caas-img>Timothee Chalamet turned heads in 2019 with a sequined Louis Vuitton harness.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/0PONbM7 class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Timothee Chalamet turned heads in 2019 with a sequined Louis Vuitton harness.
">Timothee Chalamet turned heads in 2019 with a sequined Louis Vuitton harness.
" src=https://ift.tt/0PONbM7 class=caas-img>Debra Messing brought massive amounts of fringe to the 2019 red carpet.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/J8DSce0 class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Debra Messing brought massive amounts of fringe to the 2019 red carpet.
">Debra Messing brought massive amounts of fringe to the 2019 red carpet.
" src=https://ift.tt/J8DSce0 class=caas-img>Billy Porter was the definition of extra in a sweeping pink cape in 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Oqf0rSC class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Billy Porter was the definition of extra in a sweeping pink cape in 2019.
">Billy Porter was the definition of extra in a sweeping pink cape in 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/Oqf0rSC class=caas-img>Between the cutouts, thigh-high slit and animal prints, Anne Hathaway's 2019 look gave us a little too much to look at.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/YiXH0Bc class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Between the cutouts, thigh-high slit and animal prints, Anne Hathaway's 2019 look gave us a little too much to look at.
">Between the cutouts, thigh-high slit and animal prints, Anne Hathaway's 2019 look gave us a little too much to look at.
" src=https://ift.tt/YiXH0Bc class=caas-img>
Way ahead of her time with the naked dress, Lady Victoria Hervey turned heads at an after-party in 2014 with this barely-there sheer look.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/uL1jV3T class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Way ahead of her time with the naked dress, Lady Victoria Hervey turned heads at an after-party in 2014 with this barely-there sheer look.
">Way ahead of her time with the naked dress, Lady Victoria Hervey turned heads at an after-party in 2014 with this barely-there sheer look.
" src=https://ift.tt/uL1jV3T class=caas-img>Formal dresses and hoods don't often mix, but that didn't stop Lindsay Lohan from sporting both at a 2010 after-party.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/bDNohIw class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Formal dresses and hoods don't often mix, but that didn't stop Lindsay Lohan from sporting both at a 2010 after-party.
">Formal dresses and hoods don't often mix, but that didn't stop Lindsay Lohan from sporting both at a 2010 after-party.
" src=https://ift.tt/bDNohIw class=caas-img>Ashley Olsen spared no fabric at an after-party in 2010.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/DHnOY70 class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
Ashley Olsen spared no fabric at an after-party in 2010.
">Ashley Olsen spared no fabric at an after-party in 2010.
" src=https://ift.tt/DHnOY70 class=caas-img>
In 2000, *insert dad joke about Courtney Love accidentally buying a dress that got ripped here.*
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Qv0sFkb class=caas-img data-headline="See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever" data-caption="
In 2000, *insert dad joke about Courtney Love accidentally buying a dress that got ripped here.*
">In 2000, *insert dad joke about Courtney Love accidentally buying a dress that got ripped here.*
" src=https://ift.tt/Qv0sFkb class=caas-img>
1 / 29See the wildest Golden Globes red carpet looks ever
We're taking a look back at some of the most jaw-dropping and unique red carpet looks at the Golden Globe Awards through the years. First up: In 2025, Kerry Washington donned an intensely pink Balenciaga gown that resembled a crumpled piece of tissue paper, accessorized with black opera gloves, sheer stockings and pointed-toe pumps.
The nominees for the inaugural podcast category are:
"Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard"
"Call Her Daddy"
"Good Hang With Amy Poehler"
"The Mel Robbins Podcast"
"SmartLess"
"Up First"
Who is predicted to win best podcast at the 2026 Golden Globes?
Awards pundits from Variety, Vanity Fair and GoldDerby unanimously predict that Poehler will win the prize for her delightful freshman season of "Good Hang" – and for very good reason.
The "Saturday Night Live" star has a goofy warmth and ability to riff that is well suited to the podcast format, where she manages to get A-list guests such as Ariana Grande and Gwyneth Paltrow to open up in ways they rarely do in interviews. More importantly, Poehler has a genuine curiosity and sensitivity, and knows when to just sit back and listen to her subjects.
Frankly, you couldn't ask for a better hang.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden Globes new podcast category courts controversy with right
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 10, 2026 at 04:36PM on Source: A M A G
#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle
0 Comments