The Peabody Awards jury announced the 2026 nominees in the documentary, news, public service, radio and podcast categories on Tuesday.
Noteworthy documentary contenders are Mr. Nobody is against Putin, Which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards last month, as well Alabama solution, Come and see me in the good light and ideal neighbor, All of which received Oscar nominations. Pee-wee himself, The winner of the 2025 Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special is also among the nominees.
Nominations in the news, public service and radio/podcast categories span across networks, from PBS to ABC and NBC News, with topics ranging from the Los Angeles wildfires to the war in Gaza, immigration and police brutality.
“Whether it’s the culture of gun violence in America, the generational impacts of social media and big tech, the inequalities of government systems, or an exploration of mortality through a diagnosis of incurable ovarian cancer, these nominees go straight to the heart of the moment — bold, incisive 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,” Jeffrey Jones said. Peabody’s CEO said in a press release.
This year’s nominees were selected by a unanimous vote of 28 juries from more than 1,000 entries from television, podcast/radio and web in the areas of entertainment, news, documentaries, arts, children/youth, public service, software and interactive/immersive media. Nominations in the final categories are scheduled to be revealed on Thursday.
The winners of the 86th Annual Peabody Awards will be announced on April 23, and a ceremony will follow on May 31, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. As previously announced, Amy Poehler will be honored with the Peabody Career Achievement Award, and Sterlin Harjo will receive the Peabody Trailblazer Award.
Below is more information about this year’s documentary, news, public service, and radio/podcast nominees, with descriptions from the Peabody Awards.
news
‘Parliament of Blood’ (BBC iPlayer)
“Parliament of Blood” is a groundbreaking journalistic piece that combines traditional reporting with innovative digital investigative techniques to expose the extrajudicial killings of innocent protesters by Kenyan security forces. Using over 5,000 images and videos, the film reconstructs the events surrounding the protests, which generated widespread viewership and significant social impact, particularly among marginalized Kenyans of Generation Z, igniting discussions and calls for accountability while inspiring a new generation of digital investigators in the country.
BBC World Service
“Fault Lines: “Children Under Fire” and “The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya” (Al Jazeera English)
“Fault Lines” addresses the Gaza conflict in two excellent collections. “Children Under Fire” follows Dr. Mimi Sayed as she calls for greater attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where she treated at least 18 children with gunshot wounds to the head or chest. “The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya” tells the story of another doctor, who continued to treat patients in a hospital in northern Gaza even when the Israeli army forcibly cleared the area and attacked the hospital until he was detained indefinitely. He remains detained 16 months later amid reports that he was 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 only presence on the ground as the conflict erupted in the Gaza Strip. Through their eyes, the viewer is given a rare glimpse into what it was like to document daily life in Gaza during the war between Israel and Hamas.
NBC News
“Immigration Campaign” (PBS News Hour)
The PBS News Hour provided comprehensive, ongoing coverage of the Trump administration’s sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy, including birthright citizenship, refugee resettlement, asylum procedures, mass deportations, military deployments to U.S. cities, and institutional reorganization within immigration enforcement agencies. Program reports included breaking news coverage as well as deeper historical context, policy analysis, institutional accountability, and real-world impact.
PBS News Hour
“Burning Los Angeles” (ABC News and KABC, Los Angeles)
Reporters from local and national ABC News organizations rallied throughout Los Angeles for comprehensive, on-site coverage of the catastrophic January 2025 fires, even as two dozen local reporters were evacuated from their homes and two burned to the ground. Coverage was crucial for residents trying to decide when to leave and when to return, while ongoing coverage highlighted preparedness, environmental justice, infrastructure and lasting impacts.
ABC News and KABC-TV, Los Angeles
“Restricted” (ABC/KMBC 9)
A KMBC 9 investigation found that at least 102 individuals in 29 states have died or been injured due to misuse of restraint chairs by law enforcement, which often involves the use of 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 Prison Operations recommended national training content, signaling a push for reform in how restraint systems are managed in correctional facilities.
KMBC 9
“The Rise and Fall of Terrorism” (PBS)
The Rise and Fall of Terrorism examines how young people are radicalized by online extremist communities to commit acts of terrorism, highlighting the dangerous impact of unregulated online spaces that foster hatred and violence. Through compelling interviews and meticulous research, the documentary exposes the methods used by extremists, tracks the expansion of the Terrorgram network, and exposes young people’s vulnerabilities to online fear mongering rooted in racism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia.
Frontline (PBS), ProPublica
“Syrian Detainees Files” (PBS)
This chronicle of enforced disappearances and systematic torture under the Assad regime focuses on testimonies from insiders of the former regime and survivor Shadi Haroun, who spent nearly a decade in detention. Through extensive reporting over two years, the film reveals the complexities of those involved in the repressive regime, while providing a comprehensive account of the mechanisms of abuse, ultimately serving as a 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 a multi-trillion-dollar shadow economy. In her episodes, she highlights critical issues, including anti-LGBTQ violence and human trafficking, and reveals how organized crime and exploitation operate globally.
Slime media
Podcasts and radio
Aftermath: The Search for the Anthrax Killer
The “Aftermath” podcast series delves into the 2001 anthrax attacks that terrorized across America, exploring one of the largest FBI investigations in history and revealing the emotional and societal ramifications of the events. Through interviews with key figures, archival media, and in-depth analysis, the series reveals startling facts (including the identity of the perpetrator) while examining the broader implications for public safety and psychological impact on the nation.
Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios, Spoke Media, CBC
Divine intervention
“Divine Intervention” is a ten-part audio documentary revealing the resistance of the radical Catholic left Lee during the Vietnam War, highlights the daring actions of nuns and priests who defied the FBI and established the first political sanctuary in centuries. Through activists’ personal stories and intense courtroom battles, host Brendan Patrick Hughes explores themes of faith, rebellion, and the complexities of confronting injustice, ultimately offering a compelling outline of modern activism.
Wonder Media Network and iHeart Media
The hand that shakes the hammer
This episode of This American Life begins in federal immigration court in New York, revealing how immigrants attending mandatory hearings were unexpectedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising concerns about the role of judges in the face of such raids. Through interviews with demobilized judges and insights from immigration policy officials, the episode exposes the systematic undermining of due process and the changing role of immigration judges under the Trump administration, highlighting the ongoing crisis faced by asylum seekers and the potential long-term implications for the rule of law in the United States.
This is American life
Scam company
“Scam Inc” is an eight-part narrative podcast from The Economist that exposes the vast and organized world of online fraud, which is estimated to generate more than $500 billion annually, rivaling the illicit drug trade. Through meticulous reporting, the series reveals the complex processes behind modern scams, showcasing the stories of victims and fraudsters, while stimulating global conversations between technology and policy leaders to address this escalating crisis.
The Economist
Small 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 UnionPoint Park, challenging traditional notions of homelessness. Through intimate storytelling and immersive reporting, journalist Shaina Shelley highlights residents’ resilience and resourcefulness, reveals their daily struggles and systemic challenges, and ultimately urges listeners to view unhoused individuals with dignity and complexity.
Quick Judgment, KQED, PRX
When we all get to heaven
“When We All Get to Heaven” is a ten-part audio documentary that reveals the powerful stories preserved on 1,200 cassette tapes from a gay church in San Francisco during the AIDS crisis, highlighting the resilience and creativity of LGBTQ Christians amid loss and isolation. Through a mix of archival recordings and contemporary interviews, the series shows how the church became a refuge for its community, honoring their faith and queerness while promoting joy and connection during a time of profound grief.
Eureka Street Productions
Public service
“Critical State: Health in Black America” (PBS)
In the documentary Critical State: Health in Black America, director Stanley Nelson explores the historical and environmental factors that contribute to the 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 powerful awareness campaign aimed at educating communities and healthcare institutions about these pressing issues.
NOVA is produced 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 Generation Z, specifically highlighting issues such as mental health crises and the exploitation of minors. Through personal narratives, expert interviews, and compelling evidence, the series reveals how profit-driven design social media platforms exacerbate harm, and empowers young people to call for change and accountability from Big Tech.
Toronto Star, Models
“Neither male nor female: intersex” (Noticias Telemundo Ahora)
This special report from Noticias Telemundo examines the implications of President Trump’s executive order that strictly defines gender as male or female, effectively erasing intersex individuals from federal recognition and complicating their access to health care and official documentation. Through the personal stories of two Latina bisexuals, Leslie Oquendo and Morgan Mayfair, the documentary highlights the complexities of intersex identities and the intertwined struggles of intersex and trans communities, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies that respect bodily autonomy and gender identity.
Telemundo notifications
“Trump’s Authority and the Rule of Law” (PBS)
“Trump’s Authority and the Rule of Law” is a 90-minute documentary from FRONTLINE that investigates significant actions taken by President Trump during his second term, which critics say represent an unprecedented assault on democracy and the rule of law. Through interviews with Trump allies, legal experts, and journalists, the film explores the historical context of executive power, revealing the ongoing battle for presidential power and prompting viewers to consider how far a president can go before facing institutional opposition.
Front Line (PBS)
Documentaries
2000 meters to Andriivka (TV show)
This feature-length documentary by director Mstislav Chernov focuses on the violent battle for control of the strategic Ukrainian village of Andreyevka during the summer of 2023, exploring the wider effects of war and the emotional toll on soldiers. By linking his own footage with drone and helmet camera footage, Chernoff immerses viewers in the reality of modern combat, provoking reflections on the costs of reclaiming territory and the meaning of liberation in the midst of devastation.
Frontline (PBS) and The Associated Press
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, marked by corruption, violence, and neglect. By engaging with imprisoned activists Robert Earl Council and Melvin Ray, the film exposes systemic issues, including brutal conditions and high death rates, while calling for transparency and justice in a system that often operates in secrecy.
HBO documentaries; Hit the ground running
Art Spiegelman: Disaster is my muse (PBS American Masters Program)
This documentary explores the life and work of Art Spiegelman, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel Maus, as he emerges as a leading advocate for free expression in response to book bans and growing authoritarianism. The film highlights Spiegelman’s influential 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 (holo)
This film chronicles the pioneering career of Barbara Walters, the first woman to anchor network news, and highlights her transformation into journalism through powerful interviews and her ability to confront authority with empathy. Directed by Jackie Jesko, the film brings together archival footage and insights from prominent 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 today’s media.
ABC News Studios
Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media (film tour)
Can’t look away Addresses the urgent public health crisis posed by the sheer power of social media, focusing on the heartbreaking stories of families affected by its harmful impact on young people. By integrating 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 think about their digital relationships.
Bloomberg Originals/DCTV
Come and see me in the good light (Apple TV)
Poet-activist Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Vale confront Andrea’s diagnosis of incurable ovarian cancer as cameras follow them, exploring how this journey deepens their love and appreciation for life. The documentary encourages open conversations about deaths while showcasing the couple’s resilience, humor and artistry, ultimately serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection and joy.
Apple / Tripod / Image Amplification / Media Processing / Powerful Productions
Serious Incident: Death at the Border (HBO Max)
Serious incident He investigates the US Border Patrol, beginning with the death in custody of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas, and ultimately exposes the culture of violence and impunity within the agency. Through shocking footage from eyewitnesses and leaked internal documents, the film reveals the existence of informal teams designed to protect agents from accountability, prompting Congress to launch multiple investigations and highlighting the urgent need for oversight and reform in a powerful law enforcement organization.
HBO Documentary Films in association with Midnight Films presents Crazyrose and Film 45
Hurricane Katrina: A race against time (National Geographic)
This documentary series focuses on the experiences of predominantly black communities in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina, and focuses on the personal narratives of those directly affected rather than sensationalized media narratives. The series highlights systemic inequalities and government 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 generations to come.
Lightbox and nearby media
Love + war (National Geographic)
Love + war Profiles Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario, as she explores her experiences in war zones while balancing the complexities of her home life. The film demonstrates 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 conflict between ambition and family obligations.
Little monster movies
Mr. Nobody is against Putin (BBC Four)
Tracing the story of Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, a beloved Russian teacher who is reluctantly drawn into the government propaganda machine amid the invasion of Ukraine, this film documents the disturbing 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, eventually planning a perilous escape from Russia.
Made in Copenhagen and co-produced with Pink
Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV)
Mr. Scorsese This book delves into the life and artistic journey of director Martin Scorsese, exploring the deep connections between his personal experiences and the themes found in his films. Through extensive conversations, archival footage, and insights from collaborators, the series charts Scorsese’s development as an artist influenced by his upbringing, spirituality, and the complexities of human nature, ultimately portraying him as a sympathetic figure who turns personal struggles into powerful storytelling.
Apple / Extended Media / Round Films / LBI Entertainment Productions / Moxie Pictures
No other land
Basil Adra, a young Palestinian activist from the Masafer Yatta area, documents the destruction of his community at the hands of Israeli forces as he and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham struggle against their starkly unequal reality. Their film, produced by a Palestinian-Israeli group during times of oppression, aims to challenge ongoing expulsion and propose a vision of equality.
Anti films
He pees himself (HBO Max)
He pees himself Explores the complex life of Paul Reubens, known as Pee-Wee Herman, and highlights his artistic influences and the backlash he faced, especially after his arrest in 1991. The film depicts the emotional struggle between Reubens and the director over control of the narrative, and ultimately pays tribute to his legacy as a pioneering artist while addressing issues of identity, gender, 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 murder of Ajek “AJ” Owens, a black mother who was shot by her white neighbor under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, and highlights the systemic biases that often protect attackers. 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 put Black lives at risk, while ensuring transparency and support for the Ajik family throughout the filmmaking process.
Netflix Documentary / A message Pictures production in association with SO’B Productions and Park Pictures
Predators (Paramount+)
A critical examination of the true crime genre, particularly through the lens of the television show To catch the predatorThis documentary highlights the complicity of filmmakers, journalists, and audiences in perpetuating cycles of harm for entertainment. Using a combination of archival material, factual journalism, and interviews, he confronts the blurring lines between journalism and entertainment in a post-truth society, and ultimately invites viewers to reflect on their own moral and emotional connection to such narratives.
Sweet Relief, MTV Documentaries, Rosewater Pictures
Put your soul on your hand and walk
“Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” offers an intimate look at life in Gaza through video calls between director Sepideh Farsi and Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, who captures her generation’s struggles and resilience amid ongoing conflict. Tragically, Fatima and her family were killed in an Israeli airstrike shortly after the film was selected for the Cannes Film Festival, making it a faithful memorial to her life and art.
Reef Do Productions
Southpaw – The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott (ESBN)
Jim Abbott, who was born without a right hand, defied the odds to become a famous baseball player, achieving fame in the major leagues, notably pitching for the New York Yankees in 1993. His journey, marked by struggles with being a reluctant role model, continues to inspire disabled and differently-abled individuals around the world, making “Southpaw” a powerful story of ingenuity and identity.
espn
The hit (TV show)
The hit The film chronicles the 2013 hunger strike of 30,000 prisoners at Pelican Bay, a maximum-security prison notorious for its use of solitary confinement, and highlights the personal stories of the hunger strikers and the broader implications of their resistance. Through a mix of first-hand testimony, archival footage, and insights from prison officials, the film explores the impact of solitary confinement and emphasizes the power of togetherness and solidarity among marginalized communities, resonating deeply with audiences inside and outside of prison walls.
LBP, ITVS
Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan (Netflix)
This documentary celebrates the pivotal role of black art in American culture, showcasing legendary artists such as The Supremes, James Brown, and Harry Belafonte, who contributed to mainstream entertainment to drive social and cultural change. By highlighting Ed Sullivan’s inclusive vision as a television host, the film demonstrates how his commitment to showcasing talent, regardless of race, reshaped national identity and expanded representation during segregation, while maintaining a focus on honoring black creative voices through storytelling.
Delirio Films, MPS Legacy Productions, SOFA Entertainment, Mass Appeal, Diamond Docs, MRC
Thoughts and prayers (HBO Max)
Thoughts and 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 politics and victimhood to the everyday experiences of individuals coping with lives filled with constant threat, raising crucial questions about whether rituals of safety These indicate a real willingness or surrender to violence.
HBO Documentary Films presents a Tony Tena production
Vietnam: The War That Changed America (Apple TV)
This documentary series about the Vietnam War aims to view 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. Combining extensive archival footage with intimate narrative, the series explores the complexities of war, highlights moments of darkness and love, and ultimately reveals the profound impact of the conflict on those who lived it.
Apple / 72 films
White House influence (Netflix)
White House influence Explores the pivotal moment in 1988 when climate change emerged as a serious political issue, highlighting the potential for bipartisan action led by then-Vice President George H.W. Bush and his administration. Using exclusively archival material, the film reveals how initial momentum to address global warming was lost due to political division 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 Movies, Motion Pictures Section
