The digital world continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace, and with it, the recognition of the visionary creators who shape our online experience grows ever more important. The 29th Annual Webby Awards, held on May 12, 2025, at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, honored the trailblazers, innovators, and cultural icons who have redefined the internet landscape. Hosted by the multi-talented Ilana Glazer, this star-studded ceremony showcased the best in digital creativity—from podcasts and technology to activism and entertainment.
In this detailed article, we dive deep into the highlights, winners, speeches, and themes that made the 29th Webby Awards a landmark event in recognizing the impact of digital arts and sciences.
The Significance of the Webby Awards in 2025
The Webby Awards are widely regarded as the internet’s most prestigious accolades, celebrating creativity, innovation, and excellence across websites, podcasts, video, advertising, media, and social platforms. Founded in 1996, the awards are overseen by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS), a diverse group of industry experts, artists, and innovators.
Why the 29th Annual Webby Awards Are Different
- Emphasis on Creator Empowerment: This year’s awards highlighted the importance of independent creators who shape culture and commerce online.
- Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Ethics: Reflecting the rapid advances in AI, special awards recognized efforts to develop human-centered, ethical AI.
- A celebration of Diversity and Inclusion, recognizing voices from marginalized communities who are making waves in digital spaces.
Event Overview: A Night of Star Power and Digital Celebration
Held in the heart of New York City, the 29th Webby Awards ceremony was a spectacular evening featuring:
- A hosting performance by Ilana Glazer, known for her sharp wit and engaging presence.
- Presentations from iconic figures such as Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, Sean Evans, Kenan Thompson, and Kara Swisher.
- Dynamic acceptance speeches, many delivered in the famous Webby 5-word format.
- Recognition of breakthrough work in areas ranging from podcasting to AI-driven design.
The Theme: “All Good” — A Positive Outlook Amidst Digital Complexity
Ilana Glazer kicked off the ceremony with humor and insight, setting the tone for the night:
- The theme, “All Good,” was chosen to uplift attendees despite the “bummed out” potential of more serious topics like climate change and political unrest.
- Glazer’s commentary highlighted internet trends—both good and challenging—with references to viral celebrities, social movements, and quirky internet phenomena.
- Her humorous nods to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked press tour, and even the baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng, kept the audience entertained while underscoring the cultural richness of the online world.
Spotlight on Winners: Icons and Innovators Who Defined 2025
Podcast Winners: Voices That Resonate
Podcasts remain a dominant force in digital media, and the Webby Awards celebrated creators pushing boundaries in storytelling, journalism, and culture.
- A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe: Winner in the Sports, Shows (Podcasts) category, showcasing compelling athlete perspectives.
- The MeidasTouch Podcast: Honored for its groundbreaking political commentary and cultural advocacy.
- Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend: Recognized for Best Host, blending humor with heartfelt interviews.
- Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD: Winner in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, highlighting historical narratives with modern relevance.
- Other notable podcast winners include Las Culturistas, Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, Mind Your Own with Lupita Nyong’o, and Questlove Supreme.
Entertainment and Performance Awards
- Walton Goggins received Best Actor for his roles in The White Lotus and The Righteous Gemstones, celebrated for his versatile and compelling performances.
- Marcello Hernández won Outstanding Comedic Performance for his work on Saturday Night Live and viral internet comedy.
- Amelia Dimoldenberg, acclaimed for her innovative celebrity interviews on Chicken Shop Date, received a Webby Special Achievement Award.
Entrepreneurial and Advocacy Honors
- Snoop Dogg was crowned Webby Entrepreneur of the Year, recognized for his visionary business ventures including his cannabis brand and record label.
- Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett was awarded Advocate of the Year for her impactful use of digital platforms to mobilize social justice causes.
Special Recognitions: Innovation, AI, and Creative Leadership
The 29th Webbys emphasized the intersection of technology and creativity:
- Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a pioneering AI expert, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership in ethical, human-centered artificial intelligence.
- Norman Teague, designer and educator, earned a Special Achievement in Creative AI for his innovative use of Adobe Firefly to reinterpret art through Black aesthetics.
- The ceremony included recognition of new Creator categories, reflecting the growing importance of individuals shaping content and culture on their own terms.
Memorable Moments: The Webby 5-Word Speeches and Star-Studded Presentations
One of the signature features of the Webbys is the concise, impactful 5-word acceptance speeches. Some of the night’s most memorable included:
- “Air is rizz approved.” – The Rizzler
- “Who run the world? Squirrels!” – Derrick Downey Jr.
- “AI’s cool. People are cooler.” – Robert Wong (Google Creative Lab)
- “Don’t wait. Make it yourself.” – Amelia Dimoldenberg
- “Break bread, or fake dead.” – Snoop Dogg
Celebrities such as Ice-T, Sean Evans, Kenan Thompson, and Kara Swisher added gravitas to the event, while presenters like Peppermint and Molly Jong-Fast honored emerging voices and established icons alike.
Detailed List of Notable Winners Across Podcast Categories
Comedy
- The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya — Comedy, Individual Episode
- Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang — Comedy, Shows
Culture & Society
- Mind Your Own with Lupita Nyong’o — Best Series, Features
- Relationsh*t with Kamie Crawford — Lifestyle, Shows
News & Politics
- Pod Save America — News & Politics, Shows
Music
- Okayplayer Presents The Almanac of Rap — Experimental & Innovation
Technology & Innovation
- The Vergecast — Technology, Shows
- Possible: Kara Swisher on AI, Media, and Accountability — Interview/Talk Show, Individual Episode
Kids & Family
- Ready, Set, Ride with Elmo — Kids & Family, Individual Episode
Behind the Scenes: The Webby Awards Selection Process
The winners of the Webby Awards are chosen by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS), a distinguished body comprising:
- Industry leaders such as Quinta Brunson, Writer, Director, and Actor
- Executives like Todd Kaplan (CMO, Kraft Heinz)
- Scientists including Jaime Teevan (Chief Scientist, Microsoft)
- Creative innovators such as Desiree Perez (CEO, RocNation) and Shigetaka Kurita, the father of emojis
- Cultural figures like Shannon Sharpe, NFL Hall of Famer and podcast host
This diverse panel ensures that the winners truly represent the forefront of digital culture.
How to Experience the Webby Awards
Fans and digital enthusiasts can relive the magic of the Webbys by following:
- Official Webby social channels on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn
- The Webby Awards website: webbyawards.com
Highlights include the iconic 5-word speeches, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
The Future of the Webby Awards and Digital Creativity
The 29th Annual Webby Awards reinforced the role of the internet as a platform for creative freedom, social advocacy, and technological innovation. With AI and creator-led content on the rise, future Webbys are poised to continue spotlighting those who challenge the status quo and inspire global audiences.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Power of Digital Culture in 2025
From groundbreaking podcasts to visionary entrepreneurs and ethical AI pioneers, the 29th Annual Webby Awards celebrated the extraordinary talent shaping the future of the internet. The event was not just a ceremony but a vibrant reflection of the cultural, technological, and social forces driving digital transformation.
Whether you’re a creator, tech enthusiast, or digital consumer, the Webbys offer a glimpse into the evolving story of how the internet enriches lives and builds communities worldwide.
