Amy Poehler dominated the entertainment world as the first-ever recipient of the Golden Globes’ Best Podcast award, taking home the trophy for her celebrated show Good Hang during the 2026 ceremony. The Amy Poehler Golden Globes podcast victory cements her place as a trailblazer in the evolving audio arena, with the event unfolding at a star-studded gathering where leading figures in media, including ex-husband Will Arnett, competed fiercely for the title.
Poehler Claims the Inaugural Best Podcast Award
The Golden Globes made headlines by introducing their Best Podcast category for the first time, reflecting the growing significance of podcasts in contemporary media. Amy Poehler emerged victorious with Good Hang, surpassing notable contenders like Will Arnett’s SmartLess, Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard, NPR’s Up First, and The Mel Robbins Podcast. This marked the start of new recognition for digital audio storytelling in an organization long known for honoring film and television.
The awards ceremony was marked by an energetic atmosphere, with Snoop Dogg presenting the historic statuette to Poehler on stage. As she accepted the honor, Poehler, whose roots as host and comedian run deep, delivered a playful acceptance:
“This is exactly how I pictured it: Snoop giving me the award!”
— Amy Poehler, Good Hang Host
She continued with gratitude and a touch of humor, reflecting the electric energy in the venue:
“I don’t know about awards shows, but, when they get it right, it makes sense. Thank you so much for this.”
— Amy Poehler, Good Hang Host
Competition and Controversy Among the Nominees
The newly created podcast category drew significant attention well before the winner was revealed. Months of competition were fueled by a longlist of eligible podcasts featuring polarizing figures such as Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Joe Rogan. The selection process—which saw Luminate, an industry authority on audio analytics, playing a key role—sparked debate about how listenership and controversy might impact the final list. As the press release noted:
“Globes data partner, Luminate, the entertainment industry’s leading authority on audio analytics and insights,”
— Per Press Release
Despite the contentious backdrop, Poehler’s broad appeal and years of visibility with journalists—who make up the international voting base—made her a perceived frontrunner. Good Hang’s mix of candid celebrity interviews and Poehler’s comedic flair resonated strongly with both listeners and voters.
In a nod to her fellow nominees, she joked about industry heavyweights and competitive dynamics:
“I’m fans of all of you — except for NPR. Just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. So, try harder!”
— Amy Poehler, Good Hang Host
Amy Poehler’s Resilient Career and Celebrity Connections
Alongside her success with Good Hang, Amy Poehler brings a long history with the Golden Globes. Known worldwide as Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation—an NBC series that earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 2013—Poehler has been nominated multiple times and even co-hosted several Golden Globes ceremonies. She and her friend Tina Fey famously emceed three consecutive shows from 2013 through 2015, as well as the 2021 broadcast, reinforcing her presence on entertainment’s biggest stages.
Good Hang itself has become a destination for A-listers. Since its launch in March, Poehler has hosted stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Ariana Grande, and Aubrey Plaza. Her recent interview with Plaza, in the aftermath of Jeff Baena’s passing in January 2025, showed the podcast’s blend of humor and heart, capturing industry attention and public interest alike.
Golden Globes Undergoes Transformation Amid Scrutiny
The decision to add a podcast category is part of a broader effort to modernize the Golden Globes and respond to past criticisms. The organization, now made up of over 400 journalists from around the globe, has worked to diversify and expand its membership following the widely reported 2021 racial exclusion scandal that caused the ceremony’s absence from television in 2022 and led to changes within the former Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
While the core membership remains largely intact, the inclusion of podcasts and other reforms aim to broaden the event’s impact and relevance within a changing media landscape. These updates signify a renewed commitment to inclusivity, recognition of new voices, and heightened engagement with audiences worldwide.
The Broader Impact of Poehler’s Win and What Follows
Amy Poehler’s breakthrough with her Golden Globes podcast award stands out as both a personal and industry milestone, highlighting the rapid rise of podcasting in popular culture. The 2026 victory spotlights shifting trends in entertainment, where established stars like Poehler are not only adapting but thriving in new formats. Her accomplishment may set the stage for increased recognition of podcasts by major awards bodies and encourage fresh creative voices to join the medium.
The Golden Globes’ embrace of audio media promises to shape future competitions, as more high-profile hosts and innovative storytelling vie for honors. For now, Poehler’s historic win and Good Hang’s success emphasize the evolving definition of achievement in Hollywood—and the ongoing importance of connecting audiences to the personalities and stories they care about the most.
