The General, Hackers, Little Caribou, Ripley and We Are Lady Parts are the other nominees this year, with the Peabody Awards jury announcing 23 nominations in the Arts, Children/Youth, Entertainment and Interactive & Immersive categories. They join the 45 nominees announced earlier this week in the Documentary, News, Public Service and Broadcast/Podcast categories.
According to Peabody, the 68 nominees were chosen from 1,000 entries across all categories; the final verdict was made unanimously by the 27 jurors. Of the 68 nominations, Netflix received the most, with nine, followed by HBO/Max with eight and PBS with seven.
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This year’s nominees discussed issues such as “systemic failures of the justice system, intergenerational trauma, climate change and the resilience of the human spirit,” according to the organization.
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“Whether it’s gripping drama, sharp comedy, moving children’s programming or interactive experiences, Peabody is committed to rewarding moving stories,” said Peabody CEO Jeffrey Jones in a statement. All of our nominees excel at telling inspiring stories that entertain, educate, leave a lasting impression on audiences and help expand our collective understanding of humanity.
Peabody, based at the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, offers honors programs in the categories of entertainment, documentary, journalism, podcast/broadcast, arts, children and youth, immersive and interactive media, and public service programs.
The 85th Peabody Awards winners will be announced May 1. The winners will be honored at a ceremony hosted by Roy Wood Jr. at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on June 1. Bob Bain Productions will produce. Variety is the media partner.
Here are this year’s Peabody Award nominees in the Entertainment, Arts, Children & Youth, and Immersive & Interactive Media categories (listed by category and in alphabetical order):
Entertainment
Alex Edelman: Just For Us (HBO | Max) Comedian Alex Edelman presents his deeply personal one-man show based on his own experiences as a Jew at a white nationalist rally, exploring topics such as identity, assimilation and empathy. Seven years in, the show has undergone multiple conversations, revisions and audience participation, culminating in a critically acclaimed HBO special that resonates deeply in an era of growing anti-Semitism and ideological division. HBO is in association with Enfield Tennis Academy, Above Average and Seaview Productions.
Little Caribou (Netflix) Little Caribou tells the story of troubled comedian Donny, who becomes entangled in a toxic relationship with a stalker and gradually realizes how his past has shaped his self-destructive behavior and relationships. At its core, the series explores how untreated trauma perpetuates a cycle of suffering, becoming a powerful and haunting meditation on healing, empathy and the lasting impact of abuse. Netflix Series / Clerkenwell Films Presents
Clipped (FX/Hulu) “This sports documentary from Gina Welch, based on the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast The Sterling Affairs, tells the story of the downfall of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling after his recorded racist remarks are made public.” FX Productions
Fantasia (HBO | Max) Created by and starring Julio Torres, Fantasia is a surreal, cross-genre HBO comedy series that blends narrative and sketch to explore alienation, homosexuality and identity through a strange search for a lost oyster earring in a dreamlike New York City. With its bold visual style, diverse cast and deeply personal storytelling, the series uniquely demonstrates the value of unconventional, imaginative voices. HBO presents in association with Irony Point, Fruit Tree, 3 Arts Entertainment and Space Prince Inc.
The Hackers (HBO | Max) “The third season of The Hackers explores the new dynamic between comedy legend Deborah Vance and young writer Ava Daniels. The two reunite after a year apart and reignite each other’s creativity, just in time for Deborah to land the hosting gig as a late-night show host. As Deborah fights for her long-unfulfilled dream and Ava learns to stand up for herself, the season becomes a poignant reflection on aspiration, legacy and the courage – especially for women – to go after what you want.” Universal Television is a division of Universal Studios Group, in association with Paulilu, FirstThought Productions, Fremulon Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment.
Mr Bates v. The Post Office (PBS/Masterpiece) “This four-part series is based on the true story of British Post Office managers who were falsely accused of theft due to a computer system glitch – one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British history. The series sparked national outrage, led to real legal reform, and highlighted the extraordinary courage of people standing up to institutional abuses. It is produced by ITV Studios, Little Gem and Masterpiece for ITV.”
One Hundred Years of Solitude (Netflix) One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of José Arcadio Buendía and Úrsula Iguarán as they flee their village and find the mythical city of Macondo.Here, generations of their family battle love, madness, war, and a lingering curse in this adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s 1967 masterpiece. Netflix/Dynamo
Rami Youssef: More Feelings (HBO | Max) “In Rami Youssef: More Feelings, the comedian reflects on the complexities of living as a Muslim in America, grappling with issues of representation, Islamophobia, and the emotional strain of being expected to navigate a global crisis.” HBO presents a co-production of Cairo Cowboys and A24.
Ripley (Netflix) “Ripley tells the story of a cunning con man in 1960s New York who is ordered to bring back a wealthy man’s son from Italy. He embarks on a dark journey of deceit, fraud and murder. Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed novel, this miniseries follows Tom Ripley as he undergoes a terrifying transformation in his life of lies.” Showtime and Endemol team up with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights to shine in North America for Netflix
Nothing to Say (FX/Hulu) “This FX Based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s nonfiction book, the miniseries tells the story of Gene McConville’s unsolved murder and the brutal complexity of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The series is a deeply human story that transcends historical context to explore universal themes of violence, trauma, idealism, and the moral contradictions of political conflict. FX Productions
Shogun (FX/Hulu) Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks reinterpret James Clavell’s classic story from a modern perspective, exploring with empathy and authenticity what it means when two cultures collide and transform each other. By involving Japanese partners in every aspect of the production, they break through the cliché of the ‘strangers in a strange land’ and create a more inclusive, respectful, and culturally nuanced storytelling process that could become a new standard for global filmmaking.”FX Productions
We Are Ladies (Peacock) “We Are Ladies is a bold, joyous comedy about an all-girl Muslim punk band exploring identity, ambition, and sisterhood, marrying sharp humor with themes of inclusivity and representation. In its second season, the series adds complexity and questions cultural stereotypes with heart, humor, and great music. The band feels the pressure of success and struggles to remain true to themselves while monetizing their art. Working Title Television is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studios.
Art
Photographers (National Geographic) Photographers is a six-part documentary series that delves into the lives and missions of some of the world’s most influential photographers, showcasing their art, personal challenges, and the cultural power of their images. Through personal stories and diverse perspectives from protected areas to conflict zones, the series explores what drives image-makers in a world awash in photos yet starved for meaning.” – National Geographic, Little Monsters Movie
Children/Teens
Out of My Mind (Disney+) “In the upcoming -coming-of-age film based on Sharon M. Draper’s 2010 novel, Phoebe-Ray Taylor plays a sixth grader with cerebral palsy who faces the challenges of a regular classroom for the first time. Her thoughts are narrated by actress Jennifer Aniston, the silent character’s favorite from Friends, and her family is played by Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, and Judith Wright. “Big Beach, Participant, EveryWhere Studios LLC and Disney Branded Television
Spirit Rangers (Netflix) Spirit Rangers is an animated series on Netflix that tells the story of three Chumash and Cowlitz siblings who transform into animal heroes to protect their California national parks. It blends Native storytelling, environmental issues and adventure. As the first American children’s series created and hosted by Native Americans, the show features an all-Native writing team and works closely with tribes to portray Native communities in an authentic, joyful and powerful way.“Laughing Wild / Netflix”
Interactive Immersive
“1000xRESIST” This cross-genre narrative adventure game uses time, memory, and evolving play styles to explore themes of identity, resistance, and intergenerational trauma, rooted in the emotional fallout following the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Developed by a predominantly Asian Canadian team, the game thrusts players into a weird future marked by a global pandemic and alien occupation, challenging them to grapple with historical memory. “Body of Mine”
Body of Mine is an immersive VR experience that places users in the body of a person of the opposite sex and uses interactivity to explore the lived experiences of transgender people through intimate, tactile storytelling. The project grew out of a very personal experience and has evolved into a profound empathy, healing, and educational tool. It is now being used by LGBTQ+ centers across North America to foster understanding and connection in the face of growing transphobia. Using an interactive timeline and detailed personal narratives, the interactive project reveals the pervasiveness of abuse, demonstrates patterns spanning decades, and highlights the government’s failure to take responsibility despite numerous allegations against more than 300 employees. New Hampshire Public Radio and Pudding Radio
“Deadly Maui Fires Explode Every Hour” The New York Times painstakingly reconstructs the deadly wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, using 400 videos from residents and visitors, meticulously placed on a photorealistic 3D map, bringing the tragedy to life. Through interviews, expert analysis and in-depth reporting, the article reveals the missteps that led to the disaster and offers a comprehensive and compelling account of the events. The New York Times
“A Day in Gaza | Close-up” In “A Day in Gaza,” Al Jazeera English captures daily life in Gaza from the perspective of Palestinians, using cellphone cameras. It highlights both the devastation of war and the resilience of those who survived. This article demonstrates the power of citizen journalism to tell raw, intimate stories in an environment where traditional media outlets are limited, providing a vivid, human perspective on extremely complex conflicts.” Al Jazeera Digital
Tchia: In Tchia, players embark on a tropical open-world adventure to save the protagonist’s father from the tyrant Meavora. They explore a physics-based sandbox on a beautiful island. Inspired by New Caledonia, the game offers creative gameplay that immerses players in the culture and language of the island nation.” Awaceb
Venba: In this narrative cooking game, players take on the role of an Indian mother who is dealing with her immigrant experience in Canada while rediscovering her cultural roots through food. The series explores family dynamics, particularly the strained relationship between Venba and her son Kavin, and explores themes of love, loss, and the challenges faced by first-generation immigrants. Visai Game
“What does racial bias look like in medicine?” Dr. Joel Bervell’s informative Instagram and TikTok video series exposes racial discrimination in healthcare and reveals biased medical algorithms and practices. “Through in-depth research, Bervell educates medical professionals and patients, providing them with important knowledge to combat harmful bias in healthcare.” Dr. Joel Bervell
NBC News Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell will receive this year’s Peabody Career Achievement Award. NBC’s long-running late-night sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live has won a Peabody Institutional Award.
