ATHENS, GA (April 7, 2026) – The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors today announced the nominees for
the Documentary, News, Public Service, and Radio/Podcast categories, selected to represent the most
captivating and impactful stories released in broadcasting and streaming media during 2025. The
nominees were chosen by a unanimous vote of 28 jurors from over 1,000 entries from television,
podcasts/radio and the web in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service,
and interactive/immersive programming and media.
The nominees for the remaining categories – including Arts, Children’s/Youth, Entertainment, and
Interactive & Immersive – will be announced on Thursday, April 9. The winners of the 86th Annual
Peabody Awards will be announced on April 23, and then celebrated on Sunday, May 31, at the Beverly
Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
Multi-award-winning actress and podcast host Amy Poehler will be honored with the Peabody Career
Achievement Award; director, producer, and award-winning screenwriter Sterlin Harjo will be honored
with the Peabody Trailblazer Award; Emmy-winning James L. Brooks will be honored with the Peabody
Industry Icon Award; and historic programmer PBS KIDS will be honored with the Peabody Institutional
Award. The awards ceremony will be produced by ROK Productions Inc.
“Whether it’s America’s culture of gun violence, the generational effects of social media and big tech,
inequities in governmental systems, or exploring mortality through an incurable ovarian cancer diagnosis,
these nominees cut straight to the heart of the moment—fearless, unflinching reporting and storytelling
that exposes injustice, amplifies unheard voices, and reflects exactly why the Peabody Awards exist: to
honor work that informs, challenges, and drives meaningful change.” said Jeffrey Jones, executive director of Peabody.
Peabody is based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.
The Peabody Award nominees for Documentary, News, Public Service, and Radio/Podcast, listed by category and in alphabetical order (network/platform in parentheses) are:
NEWS
“Blood Parliament” (BBC iPlayer)
“Blood Parliament” is a groundbreaking journalism piece that combines traditional reporting with
innovative digital investigation techniques to expose the extrajudicial killings of innocent protesters by
Kenya’s security forces. Using more than 5,000 photos and videos, the film reconstructs the events
surrounding the protests, leading to widespread viewership and significant social impact, particularly
among marginalized Gen Z Kenyans, igniting discussions and calls for accountability while inspiring a
new generation of digital detectives in the country.
BBC World Service
“Fault Lines: ‘Kids Under Fire’ and ‘The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya’” (Al Jazeera English)
“Fault Lines” tackles the Gaza conflict in two excellent packages. “Kids Under Fire” follows Dr. Mimi
Syed as she advocates for more attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where she treated at least 18
children with gunshots to the head or chest. “The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya” tells the story of
another doctor, one who continued to treat patients at a northern Gaza hospital even as the Israeli military
forcibly cleared the region and attacked the hospital until he was taken into indefinite custody. He
continues to be detained 16 months later amid reports that he’s been subjected to “severe torture,”
according to the United Nations.
Al Jazeera English
“Filmed in Gaza” (NBC News)
This documentary chronicles the lives of two NBC News journalists who, for 22 months, became the
network’s sole on-the-ground presence as the conflict unfolded in the Gaza Strip. Through their eyes, the
viewer is offered a rare look at what it was like to document everyday life in Gaza during the IsraelHamas war.
NBC News
“Immigration Crackdown” (PBS News Hour)
“PBS News Hour” presented comprehensive and sustained coverage of the Trump administration’s radical
changes in U.S. immigration policy, including birthright citizenship, refugee resettlement, asylum
procedures, mass deportations, military deployments to U.S. cities, and institutional realignments inside
immigration enforcement agencies. The program’s reporting included breaking news coverage as well as
deeper historical context, policy analysis, institutional accountability, and real-world impact.
PBS News Hour
“Los Angeles Burning” (ABC News and KABC, Los Angeles)
Reporters from both the local and national ABC News organizations mobilized across Los Angeles for
thorough, on-the-scene coverage of the catastrophic fires of January 2025, even as two dozen of the local
reporters were evacuated from their own homes and two had homes that burned to the ground. The
coverage was crucial to residents trying to decide when to leave and when to return, while continuing
coverage highlighted preparedness, environmental justice, infrastructure, and lasting effects.
ABC News and KABC-TV, Los Angeles
“Restrained” (ABC / KMBC 9)
A KMBC 9 investigation revealed that at least 102 individuals across 29 states died or were injured due to
the misuse of restraint chairs by law enforcement, often involving excessive force such as beating or
tasing restrained inmates, highlighting significant gaps in training and policy. Following the investigation,
more than 50 sheriffs in Missouri and Kansas updated their restraint policies, and the National Institute
for Jail Operations recommended the content for national training, signaling a push for reform in how
restraint systems are managed in correctional facilities.
KMBC
“The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram” (PBS)
“The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram” investigates how young people are radicalized by online extremist
communities to commit acts of terror, highlighting the dangerous influence of unregulated internet spaces
that foster hate and violence. Through compelling interviews and meticulous research, the documentary
exposes the methods used by extremists and traces the expansion of the Terrorgram network, revealing
the vulnerabilities of youth to online fearmongering rooted in racism, antisemitism, and homophobia.
FRONTLINE (PBS), ProPublica
“Syria’s Detainee Files” (PBS)
This chronicle of systematic enforced disappearances and torture under the Assad regime focuses on
testimonies from former regime insiders and a survivor, Shadi Haroun, who spent nearly a decade in
detention. Through extensive reporting over two years, the film reveals the complexities of the people
involved in the oppressive system while providing a comprehensive account of the mechanisms of abuse,
ultimately serving as critical documentation of the regime’s crimes as it faced its downfall in December
2024.
FRONTLINE (PBS), BBC
“Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller” (National Geographic)
Journalist Mariana van Zeller investigates the world’s most dangerous black markets, exploring various
underworlds such as fentanyl trafficking, illegal street racing, and bride smuggling, to uncover the
complexities of the multitrillion-dollar shadow economy. In her episodes, she highlights critical issues,
including anti-LGBTQ+ violence and human trafficking, revealing how organized crime and exploitation
operate globally.
Muck Media
PODCAST AND RADIO
“Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer”
The podcast series “Aftermath” delves into the 2001 anthrax attacks that struck terror across America,
exploring one of the largest FBI investigations in history and uncovering the emotional and societal
fallout from the events. Through interviews with key figures, archival media, and in-depth analysis, the
series reveals startling truths (including the identity of the perpetrator) while examining the broader
implications for public safety and the psychological impact on the nation.
Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios, Spoke Media and CBC
“Divine Intervention”
“Divine Intervention” is a ten-part audio documentary that uncovers the radical Catholic left’s resistance
during the Vietnam War, highlighting the bold actions of nuns and priests who challenged the FBI and
staged the first political sanctuary in centuries. Through the personal stories of activists and intense
courtroom battles, host Brendan Patrick Hughes explores themes of faith, rebellion, and the complexities
of confronting injustice, ultimately offering a compelling blueprint for modern activism.
Wonder Media Network and iHeart Media
“The Hand that Rocks the Gavel”
This episode of “This American Life” opens in a New York federal immigration court, revealing how
immigrants attending mandatory hearings were unexpectedly detained by ICE, raising concerns about the
role of judges in the face of such raids. Through interviews with laid-off judges and insights from
immigration policy officials, the episode uncovers the systemic undermining of due process and the
changing role of immigration judges under the Trump administration, highlighting an ongoing crisis faced
by asylum seekers and potential long-term implications for the rule of law in the United States.
This American Life
“Scam Inc”
“Scam Inc” is an eight-part narrative podcast from “The Economist” that uncovers the vast and organized
world of online fraud, estimated to generate more than $500 billion annually, rivaling the illegal drug
trade. Through meticulous reporting, the series reveals the complex operations behind modern scams,
featuring stories of victims and scammers, while prompting global conversations among leaders in
technology and policy to address this escalating crisis.
The Economist
“A Tiny Plot”
This five-part public radio documentary from KQED’s Snap Studios follows a group of unhoused
individuals in Oakland who band together to resist eviction and create their own community in Union
Point Park, challenging traditional perceptions of homelessness. Through intimate storytelling and
immersive reporting, journalist Shaina Shealy highlights the residents’ resilience and resourcefulness,
revealing their daily struggles and the systemic challenges they face, ultimately urging listeners to view
unhoused individuals with dignity and complexity.
Snap Judgment, KQED, PRX
“When We All Get to Heaven”
“When We All Get to Heaven” is a ten-part audio documentary that uncovers the powerful stories
preserved in 1,200 cassette tapes from a queer church in San Francisco during the AIDS crisis,
highlighting the resilience and creativity of LGBTQ Christians amid loss and isolation. Through a blend
of archival recordings and contemporary interviews, the series illustrates how the church became a
sanctuary for its community, honoring both their faith and queerness while fostering joy and connection
during a time of profound grief.
Eureka Street Productions
PUBLIC SERVICE
“Critical Condition: Health in Black America” (PBS)
In the documentary “Critical Condition: Health in Black America,” filmmaker Stanley Nelson explores
the historical and environmental factors contributing to significant health disparities faced by Black
Americans, who suffer from higher rates of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The film
critiques persistent myths in medical science and highlights the effects of systemic racism on health
outcomes, while also promoting discourse and solutions through a robust outreach campaign aimed at
educating communities and healthcare institutions about these pressing issues.
A NOVA Production by Firelight Films for GBH
“Left To Their Own Devices”
“Left To Their Own Devices” is a ten-part investigative podcast hosted by Ava Smithing that examines the
devastating effects of technology and social media on Gen Z, particularly highlighting issues such as
mental health crises and exploitation of minors. Through personal narratives, expert interviews, and
compelling evidence, the series reveals how the profit-driven designs of social media platforms
exacerbate harm, and it empowers youth to advocate for change and accountability from Big Tech.
Toronto Star, Paradigms
“Neither Male Nor Female: Intersex” (Noticias Telemundo Ahora)
This Noticias Telemundo special examines the implications of an executive order by President Trump
defining sex strictly as male or female, effectively erasing intersex individuals from federal recognition
and complicating their access to healthcare and official documentation. Through the personal stories of
two intersex Latinos, Leslie Oquendo and Morgan Mayfaire, the documentary sheds light on the
complexities of intersex identities and the intertwined struggles of intersex and transgender communities,
emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies that honor bodily autonomy and gender identity.
Noticias Telemundo
“Trump’s Power & the Rule of Law” (PBS)
“Trump’s Power & the Rule of Law” is a 90-minute FRONTLINE documentary that investigates the
significant actions taken by President Trump during his second term, which critics argue represent an
unprecedented assault on democracy and the rule of law. Through interviews with Trump’s allies, legal
experts, and journalists, the film explores the historical context of executive power, revealing the ongoing
battle over presidential authority and prompting viewers to consider how far a president can go before
facing institutional pushback.
FRONTLINE (PBS)
DOCUMENTARIES
“2000 Meters to Andriivka” (PBS)
This feature documentary by Mstyslav Chernov focuses on the intense battle for the strategic Ukrainian
village of Andriivka during the summer of 2023, exploring the broader implications of warfare and the
emotional toll on soldiers. By intertwining his own footage with that from drones and helmet cameras,
Chernov immerses viewers in the realities of modern combat, prompting reflections on the costs of
reclaiming territory and the meaning of liberation amidst destruction.
FRONTLINE (PBS) and The Associated Press
“The Alabama Solution” (HBO Max)
In 2019, filmmakers gained rare access to document a revival meeting inside an Alabama prison, leading
to a six-year investigation into the state’s deadly prison system, characterized by corruption, violence, and
neglect. By communicating with incarcerated activists Robert Earl Council and Melvin Ray, the film
exposes systemic issues, including brutal conditions and high mortality rates, while advocating for
transparency and justice in a system that often operates in secrecy.
HBO Documentary Films; Hit The Ground Running
“Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse” (PBS American Masters)
This documentary explores the life and work of Art Spiegelman, best known for his Pulitzer Prizewinning graphic novel “Maus,” as he emerges as a leading advocate for free speech in response to book
bans and rising authoritarianism. The film highlights Spiegelman’s impactful contributions to the world of
comics and art, showcasing how he uses his medium to address personal and collective histories while
championing the importance of subversive storytelling in contemporary culture.
Zipatone Films, LLC, American Masters, Pollyanna
“Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything” (Hulu)
This film showcases the groundbreaking career of Barbara Walters, the first woman to anchor a network
news broadcast, highlighting her transformation of journalism through powerful interviews and her ability
to confront authority with empathy. Directed by Jackie Jesko, the film combines archival footage and
insights from notable figures to reveal Walters’ personal struggles and triumphs, ultimately illustrating the
complexities of her pioneering role in a male-dominated field and the ongoing challenges women face in
media today.
ABC News Studios
“Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media” (JOLT.film)
“Can’t Look Away” addresses the urgent public health crisis posed by social media’s unchecked power,
focusing on the heartbreaking stories of families affected by its harmful impact on young people. By
embedding with grieving families and legal advocates, the film combines personal narratives with
investigative reporting to spark critical conversations about social media reform and encourage viewers to
reflect on their own digital relationships.
Bloomberg Originals / DCTV
“Come See Me in the Good Light” (Apple TV)
Poet-activist Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley confront Andrea’s incurable ovarian cancer
diagnosis as cameras follow them, exploring how this journey deepens their love and appreciation for life.
The documentary encourages open conversations about mortality while showcasing the couple’s
resilience, humor, and art, ultimately serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection and
joy.
Apple / Tripod Media / Amplify Pictures / Treat Media / Something Fierce Productions
“Critical Incident: Death at the Border” (HBO Max)
“Critical Incident” investigates the U.S. Border Patrol, beginning with the in-custody death of Anastasio
Hernandez Rojas, and ultimately revealing a culture of violence and impunity within the agency. Through
shocking eyewitness footage and leaked internal documents, the film uncovers the existence of off-thebooks teams designed to protect agents from accountability, prompting multiple Congressional
investigations and highlighting the urgent need for oversight and reform in a powerful law enforcement
organization.
HBO Documentary Films presents in association with Midnight Films, crazyrose, Film 45
“Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” (National Geographic)
Centering the experiences of New Orleans’ predominantly Black communities during and after Hurricane
Katrina, this documentary series emphasizes personal accounts from those directly affected rather than
sensationalized media narratives. The series highlights systemic inequities and the government’s failures,
revealing how the storm exacerbated existing social injustices while providing a platform for local voices
to reclaim their story and share resilience, grief, and wisdom for future generations.
Lightbox and Proximity Media
“Love+War” (National Geographic)
“Love+War” profiles Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario, exploring her experiences in
war zones while balancing the complexities of her home life. The film illustrates how her powerful
images not only document the human cost of conflict but also drive social change, emphasizing the
ethical responsibilities of journalism and highlighting the universal struggle between ambition and
familial obligations.
Little Monster Films
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” (BBC Four)
Following Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, a beloved Russian teacher who is reluctantly pulled into the state
propaganda machine amid the invasion of Ukraine, this film documents the troubling transformation of
his school and community. As he captures intimate footage of the regime’s militarization of youth and
faces increasing danger, Pasha becomes an international whistleblower, ultimately planning a perilous
escape from Russia.
Made in Copenhagen in co-production with Pink
“Mr. Scorsese” (Apple TV)
“Mr. Scorsese” delves into the life and artistic journey of filmmaker Martin Scorsese, exploring the
profound connections between his personal experiences and the themes in his films. Through extensive
conversations, archival footage, and insights from collaborators, the series captures Scorsese’s evolution
as an artist shaped by his upbringing, spirituality, and the complexities of human nature, ultimately
portraying him as an empathetic figure who transforms personal struggles into powerful storytelling.
Apple / Expanded Media / Round Films / LBI Entertainment Production / Moxie Pictures
“No Other Land”
Basel Adra, a young Palestinian activist from the Masafer Yatta region, documents the destruction of his
community by Israeli forces while he and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham fight against their starkly
unequal realities. Their film, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective during oppressive times, aims to
challenge the ongoing expulsion and propose a vision of equality.
Antipode Films
“Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO Max)
“Pee-wee as Himself” explores the complex life of Paul Reubens, known as Pee-wee Herman,
highlighting his artistic influences and the backlash he faced, particularly after his 1991 arrest. The film
captures the emotional struggle between Reubens and the filmmaker over narrative control, ultimately
paying tribute to his legacy as a groundbreaking artist while addressing issues of identity, sexuality, and
the impact of public perception on personal lives.
HBO Documentary Films presents an Elara & First Love Films Production
“The Perfect Neighbor” (Netflix)
This documentary explores the tragic killing of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a Black mother shot by her white
neighbor under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, highlighting systemic biases that often protect
aggressors. Through extensive police footage and community testimonies, the film aims to reclaim
narratives around racial violence, provoke reflection on justice and accountability, and challenge laws that
endanger Black lives, while ensuring transparency and support for Ajike’s family throughout the
filmmaking process.
A Netflix Documentary / A Message Pictures production in association with SO’B Productions and Park
Pictures
“Predators” (Paramount+)
Critically examining the true crime genre, particularly through the lens of the television show “To Catch a
Predator,” this documentary highlights the complicity of filmmakers, journalists, and audiences in
perpetuating cycles of harm for entertainment. It employs a blend of archival material, verité journalism,
and interviews, confronting the blurred lines between journalism and entertainment in a post-truth society,
ultimately inviting viewers to reflect on their moral and emotional engagement with such narratives.
Sweet Relief, MTV Documentary Films, Rosewater Pictures
“Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk”
“Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” provides an intimate view of life in Gaza through video calls
between director Sepideh Farsi and Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who captures the
struggles and resilience of her generation amid ongoing conflict. Tragically, Fatma and her family were
killed by an Israeli airstrike shortly after the film’s selection for the Cannes Film Festival, making it a
heartfelt memorial to her life and artistry.
Rêves d’Eau Productions
“Southpaw—The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott” (ESPN)
Jim Abbott, born without a right hand, defied the odds to become a celebrated baseball pitcher, achieving
fame in the Major Leagues and notably pitching a no-hitter for the New York Yankees in 1993. His
journey, marked by struggles with being a reluctant role model, continues to inspire and resonate with
disabled and limb-different individuals worldwide, making “Southpaw” a powerful narrative about
ingenuity and identity.
ESPN
“The Strike” (PBS)
“The Strike” chronicles the 2013 hunger strike by 30,000 prisoners at Pelican Bay, a supermax prison
notorious for its use of solitary confinement, highlighting the personal stories of the hunger strikers and
the broader implications of their resistance. Through a blend of firsthand testimonies, archival footage,
and insights from prison officials, the film explores the impact of solitary confinement and emphasizes
the power of collective action and solidarity among marginalized communities, resonating deeply with
audiences both inside and outside of prison walls.
LPB, ITVS
“Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan” (Netflix)
This documentary celebrates the pivotal role of Black artistry in American culture, showcasing legendary
performers such as The Supremes, James Brown, and Harry Belafonte, whose contributions transcended
entertainment to drive social and cultural change. By highlighting Ed Sullivan’s inclusive vision as a
television host, the film illustrates how his commitment to showcasing talent, regardless of race, reshaped
national identity and expanded representation during a time of segregation, while maintaining a focus on
honoring Black creative voices through its storytelling.
Delirio Films, MPS Legacy Productions, SOFA Entertainment, Mass Appeal, Diamond Docs, MRC
“Thoughts & Prayers” (HBO Max)
“Thoughts & Prayers” explores the normalization of gun violence in America by highlighting the culture
and industry that has emerged around survival, including lockdown drills and bulletproof backpacks. The
film shifts the focus from traditional narratives of policy and victimhood to the everyday experiences of
individuals adapting to a life of constant threat, raising critical questions about whether these safety rituals
signify true preparedness or a surrender to violence.
HBO Documentary Films presents a Tony Tina Production
“Vietnam: The War That Changed America” (Apple TV)
This documentary series on the Vietnam War aims to present the conflict through a deeply personal and
emotional lens, focusing on the experiences of individuals on the ground, including marginalized voices
such as Vietnamese civilians, women, and Black veterans. By combining extensive archival footage with
intimate storytelling, the series explores the complexities of war, highlighting moments of both darkness
and love, ultimately revealing the profound impact of the conflict on those who lived it.
Apple / 72 Films
“The White House Effect” (Netflix)
“The White House Effect” explores the pivotal moment in 1988 when climate change emerged as a
serious political issue, highlighting the bipartisan potential for action led by then-Vice President George
H.W. Bush and his administration. Utilizing exclusively archival materials, the film reveals how the initial
momentum for addressing global warming was lost to political divisiveness and corporate interests,
ultimately urging audiences to reflect on the choices that have shaped our climate crisis and the
importance of collective action for the future.
Actual Films, The Department of Motion Pictures
ABOUT THE PEABODY AWARDS
The Peabody Awards is celebrating 86 years of honoring stories that defend public interest, encourage
empathy and expand our understanding of the world. Respected for its integrity and revered for its
standards of excellence, the Peabody is an honor like no other for television, podcast/radio, and
immersive and interactive media. Chosen each year by a diverse Board of Jurors through unanimous
vote, Peabody Awards are given in the categories of entertainment, documentary, news, podcast/radio,
arts, children’s and youth, and public service programming. The annual Peabody winners are a collection
of stories that powerfully reflect the pressing social issues and the vibrant emerging voices of our
day. From major productions to local journalism, the Peabody Awards shine a light on the Stories That
Matter and are a testament to the power of art and reportage in the push for truth, social justice, and
equity. The Peabody Awards were founded in 1940 at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass
Communication at the University of Georgia and remain there today. The Peabody Awards also produces
the award-winning podcast “We Disrupt This Broadcast, available on all major podc
