Amy Poehler, celebrated for her comedic talent, was awarded the inaugural Best Podcast honor by the Golden Globes for her show Good Hang, highlighting her accomplishment as the first recipient in this newly introduced category. The announcement of Poehler as the winner marks a historic moment at the ceremony, with the Amy Poehler Best Podcast Winner achievement resonating within the entertainment industry.
Competition Highlights and Unexpected Moments During the Awards
Poehler’s Good Hang podcast emerged victorious over a field of well-known contenders, including her ex-husband Will Arnett, whose show SmartLess was also nominated. Other podcasts in contention included Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard, NPR’s Up First, and The Mel Robbins Podcast. Poehler’s win followed a lengthy and competitive selection process, starting from an extensive eligibility list featuring both celebrities and controversial figures such as Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Joe Rogan.
The presentation of the award was marked by a noteworthy moment, with music icon Snoop Dogg handing Poehler her Golden Globe. Poehler, upon receiving her trophy, remarked,
This is exactly how I pictured it: Snoop giving me the award!
— Amy Poehler, Winner. She further reflected on the significance of receiving the honor:
I don’t know about awards shows, but, when they get it right, it makes sense. Thank you so much for this.
— Amy Poehler, Winner.
In her acceptance, Poehler humorously addressed her fellow nominees, joking,
I’m fans of all of you — except for NPR. Just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. So, try harder!
— Amy Poehler, Winner.
Background on Poehler, Good Hang, and Award Selection
Good Hang, launched in March of the previous year, features Poehler engaging in conversations with notable figures such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Ariana Grande, and her Parks and Recreation colleague Aubrey Plaza. In a recent episode, Poehler and Plaza discussed Plaza’s late husband, Jeff Baena, following his passing in January 2025. The podcast’s blend of celebrity guests and candid discussions contributed to its broad appeal.
The process for selecting podcast nominees included an initial list of 25 eligible productions, informed by data from Luminate, described in an official statement as
Globes data partner, Luminate, the entertainment industry’s leading authority on audio analytics and insights,
— Press Release, which led to the inclusion of podcasts with high listenership across diverse creators.
Poehler is no stranger to the Golden Globes stage. Alongside her longtime collaborator Tina Fey, she has hosted the ceremony on four occasions, including three consecutive years from 2013 to 2015 and again in 2021. Her acting role as Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation garnered her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2013, with earlier nominations in 2011 and 2012.
Recent Changes Within the Golden Globes and Broader Context
The addition of the Best Podcast category aligns with the awards body’s sweeping reforms to rebuild public trust and address previous criticism. After a 2021 scandal concerning racial exclusion, which left the 2022 ceremony off the air and led to the dissolution of the former Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization made efforts to diversify its voting membership and introduce new categories.
Today, the Golden Globes’ decision-making group includes more than 400 international journalists, representing a broader array of perspectives. This shift, along with the increasing visibility of podcasts as an entertainment medium, explains the rationale behind the new podcast award and reflects on the evolving preferences of both audiences and industry professionals.
Looking Ahead: Industry Impact and the Future of the Best Podcast Award
Amy Poehler’s recognition as the Golden Globes’ first Best Podcast winner highlights the growing legitimacy and popularity of podcasting, especially shows driven by well-known personalities. The move may encourage more celebrities and creators to invest in podcasts, expanding options for listeners and diversifying the landscape of audio entertainment.
As Poehler’s Good Hang and its peers set new benchmarks, future award seasons are expected to see intensified competition in the podcast category. With reforms ongoing and interest in inclusive recognition surging, the Golden Globes continue to assert their influence as an institution responsive to evolving trends in entertainment.
