By Trendsetter Tribune 
Megyn Kelly sharply criticized Amy Poehler’s Golden Globes podcast win, calling it an insider decision and questioning the quality and preparation behind Poehler’s Good Hang podcast.
The Golden Globes’ decision to introduce a Best Podcast award was meant to signal Hollywood’s embrace of new media. Instead, it has sparked a familiar culture clash.
Less than 24 hours after Amy Poehler won the inaugural podcast honor for Good Hang, conservative commentator and podcast host Megyn Kelly publicly dismissed the win, framing it as an insider decision that rewards celebrity over substance.
Background: Hollywood Expands Into Podcasting
The 2026 Golden Globes, held Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton and hosted by Nikki Glaser, marked the first time the ceremony recognized podcasting as a competitive category.
Poehler’s Good Hang, a celebrity interview-style podcast, took home the debut award—beating out a range of nominees across comedy, journalism, and commentary. The decision immediately drew attention not only because of Poehler’s fame, but because of what the win symbolized about who gets rewarded in podcasting’s growing mainstream era.
What Happened: Kelly’s Sharp-Tongued Reaction
On Monday’s episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly wasted little time criticizing the outcome.
“Amy Poehler won. That’s no shock, they gave it to one of their own,” Kelly said, dismissing the award as predictable. She mocked the idea that Poehler’s podcast was deeply insightful, sarcastically noting that she had “never watched it,” but had seen enough clips to question its value.
Kelly specifically targeted an episode featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, ridiculing what she described as shallow conversation and celebrity self-indulgence.
“They’re so relatable,” Kelly said sarcastically. “They have busy lives. They get tired earlier—just like you.”
Kelly also accused Poehler of poor preparation, citing a moment where Poehler mistakenly believed Paltrow appeared in Cold Mountain, a film she was not part of. Kelly argued that the mistake reflected a lack of respect for the guest’s body of work.
“That’s embarrassing and disrespectful,” Kelly said. “And that’s what wins you the award for best podcast.”
Poehler’s Acceptance Speech Adds Fuel
Poehler’s own acceptance speech at the Globes added another layer to the controversy.
While thanking fellow nominees, she joked that she was a fan of “all of you, except for NPR,” describing it as “just a bunch of celebs phoning it in” and urging them to “try harder.”
The comment, delivered in a lighthearted tone, nonetheless reinforced criticism that the new category may be more about celebrity branding than podcast craftsmanship.
Kelly’s Broader Critique of Awards Culture
Kelly has made it clear that her frustration extends beyond Poehler herself.
The former Fox News host previously revealed that she withdrew her own show from consideration for the Golden Globes podcast category, saying she disliked the “choose me” dynamic of awards campaigning.
She described the entire process as “bizarre” and said she had “zero interest” in participating in what she called “stupid awards.”
Her comments reflect a broader skepticism among independent creators who argue that awards increasingly favor Hollywood-connected personalities over creators who built audiences without institutional backing.
Analysis: Celebrity Podcasts vs. Craft
Kelly’s criticism taps into a growing debate within podcasting:
- Are awards rewarding listenership and influence, or quality and preparation?
- Should celebrity-driven podcasts compete directly with investigative journalism and long-form analysis?
- Does Hollywood recognition legitimize podcasting—or dilute it?
As podcasting becomes more mainstream, these tensions are likely to intensify, especially as traditional entertainment institutions move in to define “excellence” on their terms.
Conclusion: A Sign of What’s to Come
The backlash to Amy Poehler’s Golden Globes win may be less about one podcast and more about the future of the medium.
As podcasting continues its rapid expansion into Hollywood’s award ecosystem, conflicts between independent creators and celebrity-backed shows are likely to grow louder. Whether the Golden Globes’ new category elevates podcasting—or exposes its growing divide—remains an open question.