The fourth annual Ambies podcast awards are just around the corner, and the nominees have been announced. With 192 nominees across 27 categories, the Ambies celebrate the best in the world of podcasting. From scripted dramas to unscripted series, from true crime to retrospectives, the nominations represent the diverse and rapidly growing landscape of audio storytelling.
Leading the pack with the most nominations is the scripted podcast 'The Very Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen.' Produced by Wolf at the Door creative studio, this psychological and supernatural drama has received five nominations, making it a strong contender for multiple awards. Following closely behind is the unscripted series 'Dear Alana' by Tenderfoot TV, which explores the harrowing story of a young woman who took her own life after undergoing cruel conversion therapy. 'Dear Alana' secured four nominations, showcasing its powerful storytelling and impact.
Other notable nominees include 'Can You Dig It?: A Hip-Hop Origin Story with Chuck D' and 'Exposed: Cover-Up at Columbia University,' both earning three nominations. These podcasts delve into the world of music and true crime, unveiling captivating stories and shedding light on historical events. Additionally, retrospective looks at the origins of hip hop and true crime mysteries such as 'Who Killed JFK?' and 'The Cat in the Hat Cast' garnered two nominations each.
The Podcast of the Year category is the most prestigious honor at the Ambies, recognizing the best overall podcast. The ten contenders represent a wide range of genres and styles, showcasing the breadth of audio storytelling. From '50 Years of Hip-Hop' to 'The Very Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen,' each podcast captivates listeners and demonstrates the excellence of audio entertainment.
The Ambies also acknowledge the hosts behind these incredible podcasts. Renowned figures such as Anderson Cooper, Malcolm Gladwell, and Rachel Maddow are among the nominees for Best Podcast Host. Their engaging interviews and insightful conversations have drawn listeners in and made a lasting impact on the podcasting world. Additionally, actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus earned a nomination for her interview series, 'Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus,' further showcasing the diverse talent and range of podcasting hosts.
The Ambies not only celebrate scripted dramas and unscripted series but also recognize outstanding performances in audio fiction. Carey Mulligan, Maya Hawke, and Rose Leslie are just a few of the talented actors nominated for their exceptional performances in audio fiction podcasts. Their captivating portrayals bring characters to life and make the storytelling experience truly immersive.
Moreover, the Ambies acknowledge podcasts that cover various genres and topics, such as business, history, science, and technology. From 'Behind the Money' to 'Spy Valley: An Engineer's Nuclear Betrayal,' these podcasts offer in-depth explorations and insights into fascinating subjects. They educate and entertain listeners, highlighting the power of podcasting as an educational medium.
The winners of the Ambies will be announced at a ceremony on March 26 at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles. The diverse range of nominees reflects the current state of podcasting, where the demand for audio content continues to grow rapidly. Listeners are increasingly turning to podcasts and audio books as their preferred form of entertainment and information consumption.
The fourth annual Ambies have elevated the art of podcasting to new heights. These outstanding podcasts embody excellence in audio storytelling, captivating listeners with their compelling narratives. As the podcasting industry continues to evolve and thrive, the Ambies serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate the talent and creativity behind this powerful medium.