For the first time in its history, the Gold balloons They will incorporate a category dedicated exclusively to audio format: Best podcast.
The award will debut in the 83rd edition of the ceremony, which will take place on January 11, 2026 and will be broadcast live on CBS, Paramount+ and Showtime, according to Deadline.
“As the entertainment world continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new ways of telling stories,” said Helen Hoehne, president of the Gold balloons. “Podcasts have become a fundamental means to share narratives and build communities through global borders and generations.”
Although not yet revealed all the details about the new category, the organizers reported that the 25 best podcasts will be taken into account, of which six final nominees will be selected.
Until now, podcasts have been mainly awarded in digital circuits such as the Iheart Podcast Awards, Webby, Ambies and Peabody; However, this will be the first time that a Awards Traditional entertainment high profile recognizes the cultural and narrative impact of this format.
The category of Best podcast It joins two other new distinctions that the balloons recently introduced: cinematographic and box office achievement in movies and best television monologue, won this year by Wicked and Ali Wong: Single Lady, respectively.
The 2026 edition will be driven again by comedian Nikki Glaser, and nominations In the current 28 categories they will be announced on December 8, 2025.
