Webby Awards 2026 Winners: Amy Poehler, Don Lemon & Top Podcasts Revealed
The digital entertainment landscape witnessed a defining moment at the 2026 edition of the Webby Awards, where podcasts—already a dominant storytelling medium—expanded their influence into visual formats. Often dubbed the “Oscars of the Internet,” the Webbys this year didn’t just celebrate excellence—they signaled a shift in how audiences consume content globally.
For the first time in its history, the awards introduced a dedicated category for video podcasts, marking a significant evolution in digital storytelling. Leading this transformation was Amy Poehler, whose show Good Hang emerged as a standout winner, claiming the inaugural Best Video Podcast award.
The introduction of the Best Video Podcast category reflects a broader industry trend where traditional audio podcasts are increasingly complemented—or even replaced—by visual storytelling formats.
Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have played a crucial role in accelerating this shift, encouraging creators to engage audiences through both sound and visuals.
Amy Poehler’s Good Hang didn’t just win for its format—it also earned her the title of Best Podcast Host, reinforcing her versatility as a storyteller who seamlessly bridges comedy, culture, and conversation.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist Don Lemon secured the Best Video Podcast Host award for The Don Lemon Show, underscoring the growing credibility of video podcasts as a serious journalistic medium.
New Categories Reflect Changing Audience Tastes
Beyond video podcasting, the Webbys introduced additional categories aimed at recognizing emerging voices and formats.
Key New Category Winners:
Best New Podcast (Entertainment & Culture):The Rest Is Science
Best New Podcast (News, Business & Society):The Joy Reid Show
These wins highlight the audience’s appetite for both informative and culturally relevant content, particularly in a world increasingly shaped by science, politics, and social discourse.
iHeartMedia Crowned Podcast Company of the Year
A major highlight of the night was iHeartMedia being named Webby Podcast Company of the Year.
Their Achievements Include:
2 Webby wins
4 People’s Voice wins
17 nominations
10 honorees
This recognition reflects iHeartMedia’s expansive influence in the podcast ecosystem, from entertainment to news and branded storytelling.
Star Power Dominates the Podcasting Space
The 2026 Webbys saw an impressive lineup of celebrity-driven podcasts taking top honors.
Notable Winners:
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett won Best Co-Hosts for SmartLess
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend by Conan O’Brien
On with Kara Swisher by Kara Swisher
We Can Do Hard Things
The continued success of celebrity-hosted podcasts underscores how star power remains a driving force in audience engagement.
True Crime Continues Its Reign
The true crime genre once again proved its unmatched popularity, with several shows dominating across categories.
Major True Crime Winners:
Something Was Wrong
CROOK COUNTY
Dateline: Missing in America
Who Took Misty Copsey?
National Park After Dark
These podcasts tap into audiences’ fascination with real-life mysteries, combining investigative journalism with compelling storytelling.
Handsome, featuring Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin, emerged as a notable winner in the inclusion category.
Similarly, sports storytelling found its champion in Pablo Torre Finds Out, showcasing the diversity of content flourishing within the podcast ecosystem.
Honoring Voices That Inspire
A particularly emotional highlight was the recognition of Jane Goodall, who was honored for her interview on “hope, AI, and the natural world.”
Her conversation with Reid Hoffman reflected a blend of environmental consciousness and technological optimism—topics that resonate deeply with modern audiences.
Influential Interviews That Made Headlines
Several powerful conversations stood out this year:
Michelle Obama featured on The Jamie Kern Lima Show
Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel
Shame Less by Lilly Singh
Ologies with Alie Ward
These interviews highlight the power of podcasts to drive meaningful conversations around personal growth, science, and society.
Special Achievement Honors Celebrate Cultural Impact
The Webbys also recognized individuals who have significantly influenced digital culture.
Special Achievement Winners:
Kylie Kelce – Podcast of the Year
Pete Davidson
Shonda Rhimes
Druski
Taraji P. Henson
These honors reflect the growing intersection of entertainment, digital media, and cultural influence.
Full Spectrum of Winners Showcases Industry Diversity
The awards covered an expansive range of categories, including:
Feature Highlights:
Best Series: 30 for 30 Podcasts
Best Writing: Tough Cookie: The Wally Amos Story
Best Indie Podcast: Flightless Bird
Best Limited Series: Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
Shows Category Standouts:
Business: Pivot
Comedy: Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Health: Where Should We Begin?
Technology: Future Around & Find Out
Science & Education:
NASA’s Curious Universe: The Earth Series by NASA
People’s Voice Awards: Audience Favorites Shine
In addition to jury-selected winners, the People’s Voice Awards highlighted audience favorites.
Popular Picks Include:
The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast
Morning Brew Daily
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
The Vergecast
These selections demonstrate how audience engagement continues to shape the success of podcasts.
What This Means for the Future of Podcasting
The 2026 Webby Awards have made one thing clear: podcasting is no longer just an audio medium—it is a fully immersive storytelling platform.
Key Trends Emerging:
Rise of video podcasts
Increased celebrity participation
Continued dominance of true crime
Growing importance of social and educational content
As digital consumption habits evolve, creators and platforms are adapting rapidly, making podcasts one of the most dynamic content forms in today’s media ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Defining Year for Digital Storytelling
The 2026 Webbys didn’t just celebrate excellence—they redefined it. From the rise of video podcasts to the recognition of diverse voices, this year’s awards reflect a medium in transformation.
With industry leaders like Amy Poehler and Don Lemon pushing boundaries, and companies like iHeartMedia setting benchmarks, podcasting is poised for an even more influential future.
