The Critics Choice Association Announces New Podcast Awards

Here is another example of podcasting breaking into the mainstream. The Critics Choice Association (CCA), one of the largest critics organizations in the world, representing more than 500 critics and entertainment journalists, has announced the inaugural Critics Choice Creator Awards, honoring the finest creators in the digital space across podcasts, scripted and unscripted series, documentary and informational shows, lifestyle content, game shows and sports series.

In its release, the CAA said, “As new digital formats command an increasing share of the entertainment space, CCA looks forward to continuing its longstanding mission of guiding audiences to the best in entertainment with its new Creator Awards, while ensuring that outstanding creators and their work receive the recognition they deserve.”

Founded in 1995, the Critics Choice Association (CCA) is one of the largest critics organizations in the world, representing more than 500 media critics and entertainment journalists. It is known for presenting the annual Critics Choice Awards, honoring the finest in cinematic and television achievement for over three decades.

Categories for the Creator Awards will include Best Creator of the Year, Best Podcast Host, Best Audio Podcast, Best Video Podcast, Best Comedy Creator, Best Drama Creator, Best Comedy Series, Best Micro-Drama Series, Best Business Series, Best Health/Wellness Creator, Best Relationship Series Creator and many more. An initial list of planned categories can be found below.

The Buzz – BuzzWorthy Radio has provided exclusive interviews, red-carpet coverage, and in-depth conversations with actors, filmmakers, and creators, covering TV festivals, awards season, and entertainment culture.
Creator/Host NaVell J. Lee has been recognized for providing in-depth, authentic conversations rather than typical press junket interviews.

When Navell read about the awards, he told me: “Looks like another award for podcasters to look at now. I did reach out to the Critics Choice Association, and they encouraged me to enter when submissions open in October.”

Submitted work to the CCA must have been made publicly available online to its intended audience at any time between January 1 and December 31, 2026.

Submissions will be accepted from Monday, October 19, 2026, through Monday, February 1, 2027. Nominations will be announced on Thursday, March 18, 2027, and winners will be revealed on Thursday, April 15, 2027.

“As the world of entertainment evolves and migrates onto social media and streaming platforms, it is the job of entertainment critics to move with them,” said CCA CEO Joey Berlin in a release. “We are dedicated to helping entertainment consumers ‘find the good stuff’ as well as helping the best creators get found – and appreciated. To continue our mission of serving audiences and the creative community, we are proud to launch the Critics Choice Creator Awards.”

The Critics Choice Creator Awards joins CCA’s robust and growing slate of programming which already includes the esteemed Critics Choice Awards, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Critics Choice Real TV Awards, and Critics Choice Super Awards. The CCA also produces a series of Celebration events to recognize historically underrepresented communities, including the Celebration of Black Cinema and Television, Celebración of Cinema and Television, Celebration of AAPI Cinema and Television, and Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Television.

For up-to-date information about the Critics Choice Creator Awards, please visit: https://www.criticschoice.com/creator-awards/

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has not been free of controversy. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it has faced criticism regarding governance disputes, membership exclusivity demands, and broadcast choices. In January 2024, The Holywood Reporter wrote about a clash between the CCA and the Hollywood Creative Alliance, formerly The Hollywood Critics Association.

At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards (CCA) ceremony on January 4, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Yahoo reported that viewers were left “disgusted” and “insulted” after a major category – Best Foreign Language Film – was reportedly handed out on the red carpet rather than during the main televised broadcast.

On a more petty note, the awards have frequently faced lighthearted and negative remarks over meager event catering and food options provided to celebrity attendees. Since those remarks were made on social media – an arena known for caviling and petulance – the CCA may be given a pass on the quality of the d’oeuvres.