Golden Globes podcast category is controversial for so many reasons
- - Golden Globes podcast category is controversial for so many reasons
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAYJanuary 10, 2026 at 10:01 PM
0
Seemingly, everyone has a podcast now.
So itâs 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 mediumâs most âextraordinary and diverse talents,â according to the organization.
But like any big shift, the news hasnât been without backlash. Hereâs 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 mediumâs âseismic growth,â reflecting âtodayâs audiences and consumption behavior.â According to data tracker Luminate, the global audience for podcasts is expected to surpass 600 million people this year.
âAs the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling,â Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne said in a statement last May. âBy 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.â
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 âa money grab.â
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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vx.haEyHpZcieFj464gEWg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6f0fbe8ceaff0624bf3f88979520f404 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vx.haEyHpZcieFj464gEWg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6f0fbe8ceaff0624bf3f88979520f404 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3KSBonMsvYremmnXsMy49w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1c41a746c2ceacda5a45d9dec50609df 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3KSBonMsvYremmnXsMy49w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1c41a746c2ceacda5a45d9dec50609df class=caas-img>Ali Wong chose Elmo-red Balenciaga, another 2025 look set off with long black gloves.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1tlTfdK298ck9prvrTDtJg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2631a770a66b5ebe96cd2930a9499cbf 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1tlTfdK298ck9prvrTDtJg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2631a770a66b5ebe96cd2930a9499cbf class=caas-img>In 2024, Natasha Lyonne donned a structured white Schiaparelli gown that resembled a fish tail.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Rfy.sEZM7WEmaLVr988cw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4f03002155ecbe54c02b6531307e1912 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Rfy.sEZM7WEmaLVr988cw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4f03002155ecbe54c02b6531307e1912 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kUxAa7IIWEqZAjrIDnDn9A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTY0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0f325b55b8188e767a729b382bfc6eda 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kUxAa7IIWEqZAjrIDnDn9A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTY0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0f325b55b8188e767a729b382bfc6eda 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IYzKUswl0pOKDiHfffci.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMDM4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5489e718c8e00361972c9ac39d3fd25d 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IYzKUswl0pOKDiHfffci.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMDM4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5489e718c8e00361972c9ac39d3fd25d class=caas-img>Chic and classic, yes, but Selena Gomez's larger-than-life sleeves caught our eye in 2023.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5sPPMhVg3CfQkwHUcF9wWA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bba76e851ca7dce1540731edc8a9ecac 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5sPPMhVg3CfQkwHUcF9wWA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bba76e851ca7dce1540731edc8a9ecac 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hF7VuF7CZVhOj_RjfjeOjQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5306aab6a37776f8a1e300a78a46720b 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hF7VuF7CZVhOj_RjfjeOjQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5306aab6a37776f8a1e300a78a46720b 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5Ic254sl3cjwBufje__Usw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/80011a1a852b6412972beb07a8d6a5df 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5Ic254sl3cjwBufje__Usw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/80011a1a852b6412972beb07a8d6a5df class=caas-img>Timothee Chalamet turned heads in 2019 with a sequined Louis Vuitton harness.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dPDjjxsI_3nZAY4V6QCgSQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dec46362aa645c24be8197b424cf2c0d 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dPDjjxsI_3nZAY4V6QCgSQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dec46362aa645c24be8197b424cf2c0d class=caas-img>Debra Messing brought massive amounts of fringe to the 2019 red carpet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JT6Hc0uIuKdy5IC1qj9UuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzI4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ab65a70db873f170397d4ac0e6d725cd 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JT6Hc0uIuKdy5IC1qj9UuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzI4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ab65a70db873f170397d4ac0e6d725cd class=caas-img>Billy Porter was the definition of extra in a sweeping pink cape in 2019.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/g0fu79OU_r2Gltett5a6Pg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8b2f343331dc9142bb8a2ef9abbf561a 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/g0fu79OU_r2Gltett5a6Pg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8b2f343331dc9142bb8a2ef9abbf561a 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PhU42Eyin1tO8qJO_RHBHw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/476ecf73441a96be7aba63dc596f918b 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PhU42Eyin1tO8qJO_RHBHw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/476ecf73441a96be7aba63dc596f918b 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SCZxmXLsV._cqvjCrp_yFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f503de61bebfbaf52170a767734d3adf 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SCZxmXLsV._cqvjCrp_yFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f503de61bebfbaf52170a767734d3adf 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zs7.EiNkRPr5tG3tAIsldw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjk1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/40ec36d039888eff609aab0990406e61 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zs7.EiNkRPr5tG3tAIsldw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjk1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/40ec36d039888eff609aab0990406e61 class=caas-img>Ashley Olsen spared no fabric at an after-party in 2010.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kfZER3kzrRkq9JLBgLkJjA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzcz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e6dbc156c325a38ebccd52c29e415f25 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kfZER3kzrRkq9JLBgLkJjA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzcz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e6dbc156c325a38ebccd52c29e415f25 class=caas-img>
In 2000, *insert dad joke about Courtney Love accidentally buying a dress that got ripped here.*
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IlueMCV85wddbVRHTZYkTA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTIwMTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2525d14e16c50b705a9cb5263a25a81f 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://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IlueMCV85wddbVRHTZYkTA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTIwMTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2525d14e16c50b705a9cb5263a25a81f 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:
âArmchair Expert With Dax Shepardâ
âCall Her Daddyâ
âGood Hang With Amy Poehlerâ
âThe Mel Robbins Podcastâ
âSmartLessâ
âUp Firstâ
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 âGood Hangâ â 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 couldnât ask for a better hang.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden Globes new podcast category courts controversy with right
Source: âAOL Entertainmentâ
