Amy Poehler’s rise as a podcaster took center stage at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, with her show Good Hang capturing the first-ever Best Podcast honor. The ceremony, held on January 11 at The Beverly Hilton, marked a milestone for digital audio storytelling as Poehler received her award—presented by Snoop Dogg—highlighting the growing influence of podcasts like hers on major entertainment platforms and cementing the Amy Poehler Golden Globes podcast moment in history.
Standout Acceptance Speech and Acknowledgement of Peers
Poehler, who is now 54, was candid and energetic on stage as she accepted her award. She expressed gratitude for her producer and Spotify, acknowledging the evolving nature of awards shows.
“I don’t know about awards shows, but when they get it right, it makes sense. Thank you so much for this,”
Amy Poehler said, Actress, as she gave credit to those supporting her journey into podcasting.
She went on to highlight the significance of the new category while recognizing her competitors.
“I just want to say that I know I’m new to this game, I have great respect for this form. I have great respect for all the people that I am nominated with. I am big fans of all of you, except for NPR. Just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. Try harder,”
Amy Poehler said, Actress.
Poehler’s commitment to bringing positivity through podcasting resonated with the audience.
“This is an attempt to try to make a very rough and unkind world filled with a little bit more love and laughter, and laughing with people, not at them, and we just have such a good time making it. Thank you so much for letting us make more,”
Amy Poehler said, Actress.
Competitive Field in the First Best Podcast Category
Good Hang triumphed in a field filled with established podcasts. The contenders included Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert, Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, The Mel Robbins Podcast, and NPR’s Up First. Each of these shows has made a significant mark on podcasting, making Poehler’s win notably competitive.
Announcers Marc Malkin and Kevin Frazier referenced Poehler’s ex-husband, Will Arnett, during her walk to the stage, revealing that he had predicted Poehler’s victory. This nod reflected the interconnected world of entertainment figures like Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, who were also in the running and have collaborated with Poehler and Arnett.
Golden Globes Introduces Podcast Recognition
The Golden Globes announced the Best Podcast category in May 2025, aiming to
“recognize the extraordinary and diverse talents in podcasting,”
according to an official release. The organization emphasized how it views podcasting as a rapidly growing and influential form of entertainment.
“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling,”
Helen Hoehne said, Golden Globes president. She reinforced the impact of the medium:
“Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations. 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,”
Helen Hoehne said, Golden Globes president.
The selection process for the inaugural Podcast award drew from data by Luminate, a leader in audio analytics. In October 2025, the Golden Globes revealed a list of 25 eligible podcasts, encompassing a wide range of topics and creators—a field that included everything from true crime and celebrity interviews to news and cultural commentary.
“This year’s inaugural list of eligible programs for the new Best Podcast eligibility list reflects the incredible depth, diversity and creativity thriving in the podcasting world today,”
Helen Hoehne said, Golden Globes president. She explained the significance further:
“From groundbreaking investigative series to deeply personal storytelling and innovative audio formats, this list showcases the power of podcasting to inform, entertain and inspire audiences around the globe. The Golden Globes is proud to be the first major entertainment award to recognize this medium,”
Helen Hoehne said, Golden Globes president.
The Inaugural Class of Podcast Nominees
The first set of nominees showcased the breadth of the podcasting world. The list featured ABC News’ 20/20, CBS News’ 48 Hours, Armchair Expert, Call Her Daddy, Candace Owens’ Candace, Crime Junkie, Dateline NBC, Good Hang, Morbid, MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and 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 from The New York Times, The Joe Rogan Experience, The Megyn Kelly Show, The Mel Robbins Podcast, The Tucker Carlson Show, This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, and Up First. This elite group represented major news organizations like NBC, CBS, and ABC News as well as celebrity-driven and independent productions.
Poehler’s Support for Fellow Nominees and Personal Connections
Amy Poehler’s triumph was not just personal—it highlighted ongoing relationships in the entertainment industry. After the ceremony, she publicly congratulated her former husband and fellow nominee, Will Arnett, sharing her excitement in a message that also included Sean Hayes. Their history dates back to their marriage from 2003 to 2016, during which they welcomed two sons, Archie and Abel. According to a December 2025 Hollywood Reporter piece, Poehler wrote to the group, “Congrats. Let’s party,” a gesture reflecting her warm, inclusive spirit.
Will Arnett humorously recounted that Poehler did not include Jason Bateman in the celebratory message, telling Hayes,
“I don’t have Bateman’s number, but that’s for the best,”
—a light-hearted nod to the close-knit nature of their peer group.
What the Golden Globes Win Means for Podcasting
The introduction of the Best Podcast honor and Amy Poehler’s lively victory signal a shift in entertainment industry values, as recognition expands beyond traditional formats like television and film. This year’s win affirms that podcast creators—including acclaimed figures such as Mel Robbins, Alex Cooper, Shawn Ryan, Candace Owens, and Dax Shepard—are capturing broad audience attention and are now being recognized alongside longstanding media giants like The New York Times and NPR. The 2026 Golden Globe Awards have set a precedent, with experts and fans alike watching what future ceremonies will bring for the podcasting medium.
