Celebrating Digital Brilliance: A Look at the 2026 Webby Awards
Variety's Triumph in Music Video Excellence
In a significant win, the esteemed publication Variety was recognized with a Webby Award in the Music, General Video & Film category. This accolade was bestowed upon their captivating production, "Does Jennie Know Her Lyrics From Her Biggest Songs?", featuring Jennie from the globally renowned K-pop sensation Blackpink. The video, released in March 2025, has achieved remarkable success, accumulating over 3.3 million views on YouTube, a testament to its engaging content and widespread appeal.
Exploring the Expansive Webby Landscape: Categories and Innovations
The Webby Awards continue to broaden its scope, encompassing eight primary media types that capture the essence of digital innovation. These categories span a wide spectrum, including Websites & Mobile Sites, Video & Film, Advertising, Media & PR, Podcasts, Social & Games, Apps, Software & Immersive, and Creators. Notably, the 2026 awards introduced a new category dedicated to AI, reflecting the increasing influence and advancements of artificial intelligence in shaping online experiences.
Television and Cinema's Digital Accolades
The awards ceremony also celebrated the significant impact of television and cinema on digital platforms. Popular series such as "Heated Rivalry" and "Severance" garnered multiple Webby Awards across various categories. NBC's special commemorating the 50th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live" received recognition in the Events & Live category. Other acclaimed TV shows and films honored include "Stranger Things," "The White Lotus," "Sinners," "Abbott Elementary," "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," "Sesame Street," and late-night staples "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Musical Artists Honored for Digital Prowess
A host of musical talents were also among the Webby Award recipients, highlighting their innovative use of digital platforms to connect with audiences. This illustrious list includes global superstars such as Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Lisa (of Blackpink fame), Kacey Musgraves, Troye Sivan, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA, each recognized for their unique contributions to the digital music landscape.
Pioneering Individuals and Special Recognitions
The 2026 Webby Awards also featured Special Achievement honors for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the digital world. Shonda Rhimes, the acclaimed writer, producer, and CEO of Shondaland, received the inaugural Webby Streaming Person of the Year Award. Kylie Kelce was celebrated with the Webby Podcast of the Year Award for her show "Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce." Taraji P. Henson earned the IADAS and NAACP Webby Advocate of the Year Award for her tireless efforts in promoting mental health awareness, advocating for pay equity, and championing underrepresented communities. Druski was recognized with a Webby Special Achievement Award for his influence as a comedy creator, while Pete Davidson received a similar honor for his distinctive comedic voice and impact across streaming, film, and digital culture.
AI Innovations and Brand Leadership
Beyond individual achievements, the awards also recognized the transformative power of artificial intelligence and leading brands. Anthropic’s Claude was named the Webby Person of the Year for its profound impact as an AI system that is redefining how individuals create, communicate, and work online. Google achieved the prestigious Brand of the Year title, securing 13 Webby Awards and 18 People’s Voice wins. PBS was honored as the Webby Media Company of the Year, with seven Webby Awards and 10 People’s Voice wins, underscoring its continued relevance and excellence in digital media.
The Grand Celebration and Audience Engagement
The 2026 Webby Awards winners will be formally celebrated at a ceremony hosted by stand-up comedian and "The Daily Show" correspondent Josh Johnson. The event is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, in New York City. Fans eager to experience the highlights and the program's iconic "5-Word Speeches" can follow the Webby Awards across various social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and Facebook. The winners are chosen by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, with vote tabulation overseen by KPMG. A complete list of all honorees is available through the official Webby Awards website.
Outstanding Achievements in Video & Film
The Video & Film category celebrated a diverse range of productions. Figma Slides: All hands on deck won the Webby for B2B, Branded Entertainment. Katseye and Gap’s “Better in Denim” received both the Webby and People’s Voice Award for Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle, Branded Entertainment. Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther was honored in the Music Video, General Video & Film category. More Than a Game – ACLU secured both a Webby and People’s Voice Award for Sports, General Video & Film. NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts earned dual recognition with a Webby and People’s Voice Award for Entertainment & Music, Series & Channels. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears” took home the People’s Voice Award for Music Video, General Video & Film. SNL50: The Anniversary Special won both a Webby and People’s Voice Award for Events & Live, Limited-Series & Specials. Timothée Chalamet for Cash App was awarded the Webby for Short Form, Branded Entertainment. Lastly, Variety proudly received a Webby Award in the Music, General Video & Film category for "Does Jennie Know Her Lyrics From Her Biggest Songs?"
Innovators and Collaborators in the Creator Economy
In the Creators category, Air: Where All Creators Are Heroes featuring The Rizzler won the Webby Award for Best Creative Use of AI & Technology, Creator Excellence. Colin & Samir were honored with the Webby Award for Best Duo or Group, Creator Excellence. Feel Good Foodie received the People’s Voice Award for Creator Launch or Drop, Creator Business. Justin Bieber Livestream on Twitch won the Webby Award for Creator Launch or Drop, Creator Business. MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories earned the People’s Voice Award for Newsletter or Written Stories, Creator Business. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t – Making Magic Happen With Zach King was recognized with a Webby Award for Entertainment or Meme, General Creator. The @MeetCutesNYC Universe won the Webby Award for Cross-Platform Presence, Creator Business. Toast x Keith Lee “It’s the Little Things” received both a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Creator/Influencer Partnership or Collaboration – Brand, Creator Business. Trixie Mattel won the People’s Voice Award for Entertainment or Meme, General Creator. Try Guys Try Ghost Hunting was awarded the Webby for Best Creator-to-Creator Collaboration, Creator Excellence. Zarna Garg & Malala: Almost-Therapy Skit received the People’s Voice Award for Best Shortform Video, Creator Excellence.
Podcasts: A Realm of Auditory Excellence
The Podcasts category celebrated a range of compelling audio content. Good Hang with Amy Poehler earned both the Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Best Host, Features. NASA’s Curious Universe: The Earth Series received dual honors in Health, Science & Education, Limited-Series & Specials. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce secured the People’s Voice Award for Sports, Shows. Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim won the Webby Award for Interview or Talk Show – Entertainment & Culture, Shows. The Don Lemon Show was recognized with both a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Best Video Podcast Host, Features. The Intersection by MeidasTouch received the People’s Voice Award for Best New Podcast – News, Business & Society, Features. Finally, The White Lotus Official Podcast won the Webby Award for Television & Film, Individual Episode.
Websites & Mobile Sites: Digital Platforms Setting Standards
In the Websites & Mobile Sites category, GoFundMe Giving Funds was honored with the People’s Voice Award for Responsible Innovation, Responsible Technology, recognizing its commitment to ethical and impactful digital solutions.
Apps, Software & Immersive: Innovations in User Experience
The Apps, Software & Immersive category showcased cutting-edge technology. Apple Pay received both the Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Shopping & Retail, Consumer Apps. Samsung x Google Gemini Museum Tour won the Webby Award for Best Immersive Technology Innovation, Immersive Experiences. The Way Meditation App was honored with the People’s Voice Award for Best Visual Design – Function, App Excellence.
Social Media: Engaging and Impactful Campaigns
The Social category recognized excellence in digital engagement. Are You Okay? won both the Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Interview or Talk Show, Social Content Series. Heated Rivalry social secured dual honors for Best Social Campaign, Social Features. Lady Gaga Monster Press Conference – Spotify also received both a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Events & Livestreams, Social Campaigns. Mythical Kitchen was recognized with a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Food & Drink, General Social. Sinners Theatrical Social Campaign won the Webby Award for Best Overall Social Presence – Media/Entertainment, Social Features. Take a Moment with Elmo and Jonathan Bailey received both a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Health & Wellness, Social Video Short Form. The Beatles Anthology 2025 earned the People’s Voice Award for Arts, Culture & Lifestyle, Social Campaigns. The Daily Show won the Webby Award for Comedy, General Social. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon received dual honors for Entertainment, General Social. Tracking Bad Bunny won the Webby Award for Best Community or Fan Engagement – Media/Entertainment, Social Features.
AI: Shaping the Future of Digital Interaction
The AI category highlighted transformative artificial intelligence projects. Claude Code received both the Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Best Product or Service, AI Features & Innovation. Flow secured dual honors for Creative Tools, AI Experiences & Applications. FidoCure: Revolutionizing dog cancer treatment earned the People’s Voice Award for Healthcare & Life Sciences, AI Experiences & Applications. Google Gemini 3 won the Webby Award for Best AI Technical Achievement, AI Features & Innovation. MasterClass On Call was recognized with a Webby Award for Best Real-Time Engagement, AI Features & Innovation. Touch: Beyond Vision – AI for Blind won the Webby Award for Belonging & Inclusion, AI Experiences & Applications. Waymo – Safety Hub was honored with the Webby Award for Best Responsible AI Implementation, AI Features & Innovation.
Gaming: Entertainment and Innovation
In the Games category, Lego Party! was celebrated with the Webby Award for Kids & Family, Games General, acknowledging its engaging and family-friendly approach to digital gaming.
Advertising, Media & PR: Campaigns that Captivate
The Advertising, Media & PR category recognized impactful campaigns. Bye Bye Dongle – Logitech won both the Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for B2B, Branded Content. Lionel Messi Intercepts the Super Bowl – Apple was honored with the Webby Award for Social Video, Individual. NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Campaign featuring Blackpink’s Lisa received dual honors for Launch or Drop, Advertising Campaigns. PayPal Open: From Farmers Market to Global Markets secured both a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Best B2B Campaign, Media Campaigns. Severance Season 2 – Tune-In Campaign earned dual recognition for Social Media Campaign, Advertising Campaigns. Smirnoff x Troye Sivan: Go Off! received both a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Digital Campaign, Advertising Campaigns. Steph Curry Shoots the Moon was awarded the People’s Voice Award for Best Use of Earned Media, Media Campaigns. Finally, Zohran for NYC (New York City Mayoral Primary) won both a Webby Award and People’s Voice Award for Politics & Advocacy, Branded Content.