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Podcasts are stepping into the Hollywood spotlight like never before. The Hollywood Reporter, in partnership with Spotify, is launching its first-ever Podcast Roundtable—an initiative tied to the rise of podcasts as a major storytelling force. The move comes ahead of the inaugural Best Podcast category at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.
A New Space for Recognition
For the first time in its history, the Golden Globes will include a Best Podcast award. The debut of this category at the 83rd edition of the ceremony, scheduled for January 11, 2026, signals a major shift: what was once considered a fringe or niche format is now being formally acknowledged by one of the most prestigious institutions in entertainment.
This kind of recognition matters. As someone who often finds himself caught up in the intimacy of a well-crafted podcast—where stories unfold in your ears rather than on a screen—it’s gratifying to see the format finally sharing space with film and television in the public eye.
An Industry Milestone
Launched as part of The Hollywood Reporter’s Creators A-List celebration, the Podcast Roundtable is more than a simple conversation. It brings together the creators behind leading shows that are shaping the future of audio storytelling. The event, which will premiere this November across Spotify and THR platforms, is setting the stage for the Golden Globes’ new category and offering listeners a glimpse into the creative engines behind some of the most compelling narratives out there. To read Gwen Stefani headlines magical 2025 Disney Christmas Parade
Maer Roshan, editor-in-chief at THR, put it clearly: “We are thrilled to launch The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Podcast Roundtable in partnership with Spotify, shining a spotlight on the creative forces driving today’s most compelling storytelling.” That sentence says it all—storytelling, regardless of format, is what moves audiences. And podcasts, with their direct, personal tone, often create an emotional closeness few other mediums can match.
Spotify at the Center of the Conversation
Spotify’s involvement is no surprise. With nearly 7 million podcasts on its platform, it’s become the go-to destination for creators and listeners alike. Roman Wasenmüller, global head of podcast business at Spotify, called the new Golden Globes category “a historic acknowledgment of the creators building a global community through both audio and video.”
And he’s right. The word “community” jumps out to me. That’s part of the podcast magic—how a single voice in your headphones can make you feel part of something bigger. Whether it’s a true crime series, a cultural roundtable, or a long-form interview, podcasts often foster trust and connection in ways traditional media can’t.
What This Means for Creators and Listeners
This Podcast Roundtable is more than a new content release—it reflects a deeper shift in the industry. With the Golden Globes officially stepping in, other award institutions may follow. This kind of institutional attention can open new doors for creators who’ve built audiences without the resources or support of major studios.
Here’s what this change signals: To read Toho expands into Europe with bold anime distribution moves
- Acknowledgment of podcasts as legitimate narrative art forms
- Professional validation for creators, many of whom work independently
- Expanded visibility for under-the-radar shows deserving wider attention
- A stronger bond between traditional Hollywood and the evolving audio world
As someone who spends hours each week listening to people share ideas, stories, and emotions with a mic and some imagination, I’m genuinely excited. Not just for the stars who’ll get a trophy, but for the countless creators who’ll feel, finally, that they belong in the broader story of entertainment.
