Peabody Awards
Stax: Soulsville U.S.A., Will & Harper, Shōgun and Hacks are among the 34 films or programs that won Peabody Awards on Thursday (May 1). The Peabody Awards’ board of jurors said these winners “represent the most captivating and inspiring stories released in broadcasting and streaming media during 2024.”
The winners were chosen by a unanimous vote of 27 jurors from more than 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.
Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. tells the story of the fabled label that rose out of Memphis, Tennessee, to become one of the most successful R&B labels in music history. The label was founded by two siblings, business partners Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton (whose last names formed the basis of the label’s name). Booker T. & the M.G.’s served as the label’s house band. Other artists signed to the label in its glory years include Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd and Isaac Hayes.
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In Will & Harper, comedy writer Harper Steele navigates her gender transition while reconnecting with longtime friend and collaborator Will Ferrell. The film ends with a charming song co-written and performed by Kristen Wiig. The tune was shortlisted for an Oscar for best original song, but wasn’t nominated.
Other Peabody-winning programs or films with a music tie-in are Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, about a Black trans soul singer; We Are Lady Parts, a comedy about an all-female Muslim punk band; and Surviving Nova, about the deadly 2023 attackon the all-night Nova music festival in Israel.
Shōgun and Baby Reindeer, which won Primetime Emmys in September for outstanding drama series and outstanding limited or anthology series, respectively, both won Peabody Awards. But Hacks, which won the Primetime Emmy for outstanding comedy series, lost in its Peabody bid.
Netflix received the most awards with six, followed by HBO/Max with four, PBS with three, and FX/Hulu and Al Jazeera with two each. Documentary led all categories this year with 12 wins, followed by seven for entertainment, and four each for interactive/immersive programming, podcasts/radio, and news.
Winners of the 85th Annual Peabody Awards will be celebrated on Sunday, June 1, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. The ceremony will be hosted by Roy Wood Jr. Longtime NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell will receive the Career Achievement Award and landmark NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live will be honored with the Institutional Award. The show has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. (Perhaps you’ve heard.)
Here’s a complete list of this year’s 34 Peabody Award winners, across eight broad categories. The capsule descriptions of each show are provided by the Peabody organization.
Photographer (National Geographic)
The first season of National Geographic’s Photographer showcases renowned photographers like Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, and Anand Varma, who use their art to highlight issues such as environmental threats, the wonders of nature, and the representation of the African diaspora. Through beautiful and probing documentaries directed by notable filmmakers, the series explores the deeper implications of photography, emphasizing how images are crafted to advocate for visibility and awareness. (National Geographic, Little Monster Films)
Out of My Mind (Disney+)
Director Amber Sealey’s film Out of My Mind follows sixth-grader Melody Brooks, a nonverbal teen with cerebral palsy, as she asserts her independence, showing how adults often overlook her efforts to communicate. The film’s heartfelt storytelling and sensitivity emphasize the importance of treating individuals with special needs with respect and empathy. (Big Beach, Participant, EveryWhere Studios LLC, and Disney Branded Television)
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (CRAVE)
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story creatively chronicles the life of pioneering trans soul and R&B singer Jackie Shane, who has largely been forgotten due to the scarcity of video footage from her performances. Through inventive rotoscoped animations, audio of her conversations with co-director Michael Mabbott, and interviews with her relatives, the documentary explores Shane’s complex identity and her reasons for stepping away from the spotlight. (A Bangers Films and National Film Board of Canada production)
Black Box Diaries (MTV Documentary Films / Showtime)
Shiori Itō, a young journalist in Japan, tells her own harrowing story of bravely confronting the powerful male journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi after he rapes her, despite facing disbelief from the police and media. Her relentless pursuit of justice, using her smartphone to document conversations and gather evidence, imbues the documentary with an intense intimacy and determination. (Hanashi Films, Cineric Creative, and Star Sands)
Bread & Roses (Apple TV+)
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 severely restricted the rights of more than 20 million women, preventing them from accessing education and employment while facing harsh public limitations. Sahra Mani’s documentary Bread & Roses highlights the resilience of Afghan women in these circumstances, showing their organized resistance as well as the joy they insist on finding in their everyday lives. (Apple Original Films presents an Eyan Foundation presentation in association with Extracurricular and Excellent Cadaver)
Daughters (Netflix)
Daughters, directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, explores the Date With Dad program, which hosts dances for girls and their incarcerated fathers, creating a temporary sense of home in a prison setting. The film poignantly highlights the emotional struggles of these girls and their families, emphasizing that while the event fosters connection, it cannot replace the presence of a father throughout their childhoods. (A Netflix Documentary / An Object & Animal and Epoch Films Production / A Park Pictures and XTR Production /Iin association with OPC, World of HA, Simpson Street, and Two One Five)
Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (Netflix)
This film tells the inspiring story of Lhakpa Sherpa, who balances an ordinary life working at Whole Foods in the United States while nurturing her extraordinary passion for climbing Mount Everest, where she has made multiple record-breaking summits. The documentary not only highlights her remarkable achievements against the backdrop of personal struggles, but also vividly showcases her resilience and spirit, her tenacity and connection to the mountains. (A Netflix Documentary / An SK Global Entertainment Production / An OBB Pictures Production / An Avocados and Coconuts Production / In association with MakeMake Entertainment)
Night is Not Eternal (HBO | Max)
In Night is Not Eternal, filmmaker Nanfu Wang explores the complexities of dissent and solidarity through her profile of Cuban activist Rosa María Payá Acevedo, highlighting their shared experiences in authoritarian regimes. As Wang documents Payá Acevedo’s journey during the Trump administration and the 2020 election, they confront growing ideological divides, ultimately revealing the challenges and compromises individuals make in the pursuit of “freedom” and “democracy.” (HBO Documentary Films presents A Little Horse Crossing the River and Hard Working Movies Production in association with NiKa Media and Secret Sauce Media)
One With the Whale (Independent Lens, PBS)
One With the Whale follows 16-year-old Yupik tribal member Chris Apassingok as he celebrates his first harpooned whale, a significant coming-of-age milestone and means of provision for his village, only to face a wave of hateful online backlash from an environmental group when photos of his accomplishment are posted on social media. Directed by Jim Wickens and Peter Chelkowski, the film powerfully illustrates the challenges faced by indigenous communities in preserving their traditions amidst climate change and external judgement from an increasingly connected world. (Vitamin Sea Productions and Vision Maker Media)
Queendom
Queendom follows Jenna, a gifted performance artist whose bold self-expression becomes an act of resistance against oppression and violence in Putin’s Russia. Through Agniia Galdanova’s powerful storytelling, the documentary captures both Jenna’s painful struggles and her triumphant perseverance. (A Galdanova Film Production in association with Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, International Documentary Association, InMaat Productions, Doc Society and Sopka Films)
STAX: Soulsville U.S.A. (HBO | Max)
This powerful four-part HBO documentary chronicles the rise, fall, and cultural impact of the iconic Memphis soul label, showcasing legendary artists such as Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. By weaving together music, history, and the era’s racial and political forces, the series delivers a poignant, soulful, and deeply American story. (HBO Documentary Films presents in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, Warner Music Entertainment; A Laylow Pictures production; A White Horse Pictures production)
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (Netflix)
Benjamin Ree’s The Remarkable Life of Ibelin explores the enriching impact of video games through the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who finds community and meaning in World of Warcraft. By juxtaposing Steen’s virtual and real-life experiences, the film serves as a poignant tribute to his journey and highlights the profound connections that can be formed in digital spaces. (Medieoperatørene and VGTV for Netflix)
The Truth vs. Alex Jones (HBO | Max)
Director Dan Reed provides an exclusive look at the trial of radio host Alex Jones as he faces a lawsuit from the parents of Sandy Hook victims for promoting false claims about the shooting. The film not only highlights Jones’s manipulative tactics for fame and profit but also critiques a society where trust in shared truths is deteriorating, resulting in a compelling examination of truth versus conspiracy. (HBO Documentary Films presents an Amos Pictures Production)
Will & Harper (Netflix)
In Will & Harper, comedy writer Harper Steele navigates her gender transition while reconnecting with longtime friend and collaborator Will Ferrell, who offers unwavering support despite the challenges posed by societal bigotry and transphobia. Their cross-country trip becomes a humorous and heartfelt exploration of friendship, trans allyship, and the complexities of identity. (A Netflix Documentary / A Wayfarer Studios Film / A Delirio Films Production / A Gloria Sanchez Production)
Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
Starring Richard Gadd as flailing stand-up comedian Donny Dunn, Baby Reindeer explores his tumultuous relationship with Martha, a fan whose flattery quickly escalates into stalking. Based on Gadd’s own experiences, the series offers a darkly comedic yet poignant examination of abuse, trauma, and the complexities of autofiction, showing the potential for storytelling as a means of healing. (A Netflix Series / A Clerkenwell Films Production)
Fantasmas (HBO | Max)
Julio Torres’s HBO show Fantasmas blends absurdity and humor in a surreal world where the protagonist, Julio, grapples with the need for a “proof of existence” to validate his talent and identity amidst bizarre societal norms. Featuring a talented cast and a satirical take on conformity through its sketch-like structure, the series cleverly critiques everything from bureaucracy to reality TV. (HBO in association with Irony Point, Fruit Tree, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Space Prince Inc.)
Mr Bates vs The Post Office (PBS/MASTERPIECE)
In Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Toby Jones portrays Alan Bates, a seemingly ordinary subpostmaster unjustly accused by the British government of theft due to faulty software, showcasing his resilience and determination to fight for justice. The miniseries expands from Bates’ individual struggle to expose a broader conspiracy, revealing the government’s prioritization of corporate interests over citizen welfare. (A Co-Production of ITV Studios, Little Gem, and MASTERPIECE for ITV)
Ripley (Netflix)
Ripley creator Steven Zaillian employs a stark black-and-white aesthetic to explore the moral complexities and deceptions inherent in human nature, focusing on the sociopathy of the titular character, masterfully portrayed by Andrew Scott. This adaptation stands out among previous versions of Patricia Highsmith’s novel by integrating an unexpected connection to 16th-century painter Caravaggio, capturing the mid-century sensibility of Highsmith’s work and offering a visual portrayal of grifting as a consequence of the American dream. (Showtime and Endemol Shine North America in association with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights for Netflix)
Say Nothing (FX/Hulu)
Say Nothing is a nine-episode limited series that chronicles the Northern Ireland conflict known as “The Troubles,” focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1972. The series weaves together multiple narratives, including the stories of the Price sisters and Gerry Adams, exploring the deep social impacts of political radicalism, secrecy, and the emotional aftermath of violence. (FX Productions)
Shōgun (FX/Hulu)
FX’s reimagining of Shōgun, which adapts James Clavell’s novel, shifts the focus from the English navigator John Blackthorne to the rich narratives of its Japanese characters, particularly Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko, thereby challenging the original’s white-savior narrative. This innovative approach results in a captivating and complex epic primarily in Japanese, a remarkable example of global collaboration and storytelling prowess. (FX Productions)
We Are Lady Parts (Peacock)
We Are Lady Parts returns just as brilliantly in its second season, using the story of an all-female, all-Muslim British punk band to explore the nuanced challenges of maintaining authenticity while navigating success. With sharp wit, bold music, and intimate character portrayals, the show breaks stereotypes and offers a rare, multifaceted depiction of Muslim women unlike most representations in Western media. (Working Title Television, which is a part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group)
1000xRESIST
1000xResist is a narrative adventure game set a thousand years in the future, focusing on themes of time, memory, and intergenerational trauma as it explores the aftermath of the 2019 Hong Kong demonstrations. Players, taking on the role of Watcher, delve into the memories of Iris the ALLMOTHER and her clones to confront the unsettling truths of their society, ultimately prompting reflection on the past and the future. (sunset visitor 斜陽過客 and Fellow Traveller)
Inside the Deadly Maui Inferno, Hour by Hour
After the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, which resulted in at least 99 fatalities, The New York Times produced this in-depth report, showcasing innovative storytelling and investigative journalism. The comprehensive account combines more than 400 resident and tourist videos, interviews, and thorough analysis to reveal the failures that led to the disaster. (The New York Times)
One Day in Gaza | Close Up
Al Jazeera English’s One Day in Gaza | Close Up is a powerful social video capturing life in a besieged city through the phone cameras of Palestinian citizens, showing both daily resilience and the devastating impact of conflict. By empowering locals to tell their own stories when traditional journalism was restricted, the film offers an intimate, essential perspective. (Al Jazeera Digital)
What Does Racial Bias in Medicine Look Like?
Social media is flooded with health misinformation, particularly affecting people of color, as highlighted by “medical mythbuster” Dr. Joel Bervell. Through concise videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, he exposes racial bias in medical practices and algorithms, aiming to educate both healthcare professionals and patients. (Dr. Joel Bervell)
Confronting Hate (WTVF – TV)
Phil Williams of WTVF-NewsChannel 5 conducted extensive investigations into the rise of right-wing extremism in Tennessee, uncovering the influence of neo-Nazis and white Christian nationalists, all while facing targeted harassment online. His impactful reporting not only highlighted a pressing issue in American politics but also led to a state investigation into a local police official promoting conspiracy theories. (WTVF-TV)
Policing Phoenix (ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV))
ABC 15 Arizona conducted a groundbreaking investigation into the Phoenix Police Department’s brutal treatment of Black Lives Matter protestors, resulting in the dismissal of 39 felony cases and triggering a three-year U.S. Department of Justice investigation. Following up with a detailed 32-part series on the DOJ’s final report, the journalists provided critical context and additional evidence of police misconduct. (ABC15 Arizona (KNXV-TV))
Surviving Nova (VICE TV)
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on the all-night Nova music festival in Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the taking of more than 200 hostages, which sparked a brutal siege of Gaza. The documentary Surviving Nova by VICE News captures the chilling events through smartphone footage and survivor testimonies, exploring the deep emotions and varied reactions of those affected. (VICE News)
The Night Won’t End (Fault Lines / Al Jazeera English / Television)
Al Jazeera’s The Night Won’t End highlights the harrowing experiences of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, documenting the relentless attacks on civilians by the Israeli military using U.S.-provided weaponry. By following three families and collaborating with organizations such as Airwars and Forensic Architecture, the broadcast provides comprehensive evidence that underscores the absence of “safe zones” in Gaza while holding America accountable for its complicity. (Al Jazeera English)
Blindspot: The Plague in the Shadows
This powerful podcast reframes the AIDS crisis as a widespread, deeply interconnected struggle too often ignored by mainstream society. Through six episodes filled with firsthand accounts, it highlights the resilience and solidarity that emerged in the absence of national leadership. (WNYC and The History Channel)
In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha
In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha delves into the tragic 2005 massacre in which U.S. marines killed numerous Iraqi civilians in Haditha, revealing the profound anguish of the victims’ families and the lack of accountability from the American government. Through nine meticulously researched episodes, reporter Madeleine Baran and her team uncover the dismissive and revealing responses from military officials, highlighting the damaging impact of the U.S. wars on terror. (The New Yorker)
Pulse: The Untold Story
The 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, initially portrayed in the media as a hate crime driven by shooter Omar Mateen’s struggles with his sexuality, is revealed by reporter Trevor Aaronson to be instead a crime that stemmed from his opposition to U.S. military actions in Iraq and Syria. Through extensive investigation, Aaronson uncovers how the FBI’s narrative shaped public perception and obscured its own failures, leading to critical questions about institutional accountability and the politicization of memory. (Trevor Aaronson, Western Sound, and Audible)
Yousef, Youmna, Banias, and Majd: Four Lives in Gaza
Chana Joffe-Walt’s collection of stories for This American Life emphasizes the individual human experiences often overshadowed by the statistics surrounding the Gaza conflict, focusing on the personal struggles of people like aid worker Yousef Hammash and reporter Youmna El Sayed. Through intimate phone conversations, Joffe-Walt captures their raw vulnerability and resilience, witnessing and conveying the realities of life in a war-torn region. (This American Life)
The Only Doctor (Reel South / PBS)
The Only Doctor profiles Dr. Karen Kinsell, who runs the sole medical clinic in impoverished Clay County, Georgia, highlighting the stark health care disparities in one of the wealthiest countries. Documentarian Matthew Hashiguchi captures her commitment to treating uninsured patients, while also critiquing the profit-driven health care system that threatens her clinic’s existence. (Reel South, BellaFran Productions, PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, Louisiana Public Broadcasting)
Stax: Soulsville U.S.A., Will and Harper, Super Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Shōgun, Hacks and comedy specials starring Alex Edelman and Ramy Youssef are among music, comedy and entertainment-related programs that have been nominated for 2025 Peabody Awards.
Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. tells the story of the fabled label that rose out of Memphis, Tennessee, to become one of the most successful R&B labels in music history. The label was founded by two siblings, business partners Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton (whose last names formed the basis of the label’s name). Booker T. & the M.G.’s served as the label’s house band. Other artists signed to the label in its glory years include Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd and Isaac Hayes.
Other nominated programs or films with a strong music tie-in are Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, about a Black trans soul singer, and We Are Lady Parts, a comedy about an all-female Muslim punk band.
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Alex Edelman won a Primetime Emmy in September for outstanding writing for a variety special for his HBO special Alex Edelman: Just for Us. The comedian won a special Tony three months before that for the Broadway show which was the basis for the special.
Nominees in the Arts, Children’s/Youth, Entertainment, and Interactive & Immersive categories were announced on Thursday (April 17). Nominees in Documentary, News, Public Service, and Radio/Podcast categories were announced on April 15.
Winners of the 85th Annual Peabody Awards will be announced on May 1, and celebrated on Sunday, June 1, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. The ceremony will be hosted by Roy Wood Jr. Longtime NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell will receive the Career Achievement Award and landmark NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live will be honored with the Institutional Award.
Here are 2025 Peabody Award nominees that have a connection to music, comedy or entertainment. The capsule descriptions of each show are provided by the Peabody organization.
DOCUMENTARY
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (Crave; Bangers Films and the National Film Board of Canada)
“This film brings to life the powerful voice and legacy of Jackie Shane, a Black trans soul singer who vanished at the height of fame and now tells her story in her own works. Blending rare audio recordings, animated visuals, and family revelations, the film honors Shane’s trailblazing journey, celebrating her impact as an icon who lived authentically long before the world was ready.”
Queendom (A Galdanova Film Production in association with Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, International Documentary Association, InMaat Productions, Doc Society and Sopka Films)
“Jenna, a 21-year-old queer artist from a remote Russian town, uses haunting, otherworldly performances in the streets of Moscow to protest LGBTQ+ oppression and challenge societal norms around beauty and identity. Documenting Jenna’s bold art and activism, this film offers a powerful, intimate look at resilience under repression.”
Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. (HBO | Max; HBO Documentary Films presents in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, Warner Music Entertainment; A Laylow Pictures production; A White Horse Pictures production)
“This four-part documentary series traces the rise and fall of Stax Records, the groundbreaking Memphis-based, interracial, soul label that launched the careers of icons such as Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. Through rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and an immersive sonic experience, the series offers an unflinching, deeply human portrait of artistic innovation, community resilience, and the enduring struggle for Black empowerment in America.”
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (HBO | Max; DC Studios / HBO Documentary Films / CNN Films)
“After a devastating accident left him paralyzed, Christopher Reeve became a powerful symbol of resilience, using his platform to inspire hope and advocate for disability rights. Throughout it all, he remained a passionate actor, filmmaker, and devoted family man, with his wife Dana as his unwavering support.”
Will & Harper (Netflix; A Netflix Documentary / A Wayfarer Studios Film / A Delirio Films Production / A Gloria Sanchez Production)
“Actor Will Ferrell and his longtime collaborator and friend Harper Steele take a road trip across America together, getting reacquainted after Harper’s midlife gender transition. They experience mixed reactions at different stops along the way as Will asks occasionally awkward questions and realizes the limits of his fame to combat prejudice, painting a realistically complex portrait of allyship.”
RADIO/PODCAST
The Good Whale (Serial Productions and The New York Times)
“Serial Productions and The New York Times tell the story of efforts to free the orca who played the title role in the film Free Willy from an amusement park in Mexico City. The epic experiment takes a number of unexpected turns, calling into question the practice of keeping animals in captivity—even, and maybe especially, celebrity animals.”
Pulse: The Untold Story (Trevor Aaronson, Western Sound, and Audible)
“In this Audible production, host Trevor Aaronson challenges the established narrative surrounding the Pulse nightclub shooting, revealing that it was not a premeditated anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crime, but rather an opportunistic act by shooter Omar Mateen—a shocking revelation that has received little coverage.”
CHILDREN/YOUTH
Out of My Mind (Disney+)
“This coming-of-age film, based on a 2010 novel by Sharon M. Draper, stars Phoebe-Ray Taylor as a sixth-grader with cerebral palsy facing the challenges of being in a mainstream class for the first time. Her thoughts are voiced by Jennifer Aniston, the non-verbal character’s favorite actress from Friends, and her family is played by Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, and Judith Light.” (Big Beach, Participant, EveryWhere Studios LLC, and Disney Branded Television)
ENTERTAINMENT
Alex Edelman: Just For Us (HBO | Max)
“Comedian Alex Edelman presents his deeply personal solo show about identity, assimilation, and empathy, centered around his real-life experience attending a meeting of White Nationalists as a Jewish man. Over seven years, the show evolved through conversation, revision, and audience engagement, ultimately becoming a celebrated HBO special that resonated profoundly in a time of rising antisemitism and ideological division.” (HBO in association with Enfield Tennis Academy, Above Average, and Seaview Productions)
Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
“Baby Reindeer follows Donny, a troubled comedian entangled in a toxic relationship with a stalker, as he gradually unravels how his past has shaped his self-destructive behavior and relationships. At its core, the series explores how unaddressed trauma perpetuates cycles of harm, ultimately becoming a powerful and resonant meditation on healing, empathy, and the enduring impact of abuse.” (A Netflix Series / A Clerkenwell Films Production)
Clipped (FX/Hulu)
“This sports docudrama, created by Gina Welch, based on the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast The Sterling Affairs, tells the story of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s downfall after his recorded racist remarks were publicized.” (FX Productions)
Fantasmas (HBO | Max)
“Created by and starring Julio Torres, Fantasmas is a surreal, genre-defying HBO comedy series that blends narrative and sketch to explore themes of alienation, queerness, and identity through a whimsical quest for a lost oyster earring in a dreamlike version of New York City. With its bold visual style, diverse cast, and deeply personal storytelling, the show stands as a singular testament to the value of unconventional, imaginative voices.” (HBO in association with Irony Point, Fruit Tree, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Space Prince Inc.)
Hacks (HBO | Max)
“Season 3 of Hacks explores the renewed dynamic between comedy legend Deborah Vance and young writer Ava Daniels as they reunite after a year apart, reigniting their creative spark just in time for Deborah’s shot at hosting Late Night. As Deborah fights to claim a long-denied dream and Ava learns to advocate for herself, the season becomes a powerful reflection on ambition, legacy, and the courage it takes—especially for women—to boldly ask for what they want.” (Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment)
Mr Bates vs The Post Office (PBS/MASTERPIECE)
“This four-part drama is based on the true story of U.K. sub-postmasters who were falsely accused of theft due to a faulty computer system, revealing one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British history. The series sparked nationwide outrage, led to real-world legal reform, and highlighted the extraordinary courage of ordinary people fighting back against institutional abuse.” (A Co-Production of ITV Studios, Little Gem, and MASTERPIECE for ITV)
One Hundred Years of Solitude (Netflix)
“One Hundred Years of Solitude follows José Arcadio Buendía and Úrsula Iguarán as they flee their village and found the mythical town of Macondo, where generations of their family grapple with love, madness, war, and a haunting curse in this stunning adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s 1967 masterpiece.” (Netflix / Dynamo)
Ramy Youssef: More Feelings (HBO | Max)
“In Ramy Youssef: More Feelings, the comedian reflects on the complexities of being a Muslim public figure in America, confronting issues of representation, Islamophobia, and the emotional toll of being expected to respond to global crises.” (HBO presents a Cairo Cowboy and A24 production)
Ripley (Netflix)
“Ripley follows a cunning grifter in 1960s New York who is hired to retrieve a wealthy man’s son from Italy, setting off a dark journey into deception, fraud, and murder. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed novels, the limited series explores the chilling transformation of Tom Ripley as he manipulates his way through a life built on lies.” (Showtime and Endemol Shine North America in association with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights for Netflix)
Say Nothing (FX/Hulu)
“This FX limited series, adapted from Patrick Radden Keefe’s nonfiction book, traces the unsolved murder of Jean McConville and the brutal complexities of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Through deeply human storytelling, the series transcends its historical setting to explore universal themes of violence, trauma, idealism, and the moral ambiguities of political conflict.” (FX Productions)
Shōgun (FX/Hulu)
“Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks reimagine James Clavell’s classic tale through a modern lens, exploring what it means for two cultures to collide and transform one another with empathy and authenticity. By involving Japanese collaborators in every facet of production, they move beyond the “stranger in a strange land” trope to create a more inclusive, respectful, and culturally rich storytelling process that could serve as a new standard for global filmmaking.” (FX Productions)
We Are Lady Parts (Peacock)
“We Are Lady Parts is a bold, joyful comedy about an all-female Muslim punk band navigating identity, ambition, and sisterhood, blending sharp humor with themes of inclusivity and representation. In its second season, the series elevates its complexity, challenging cultural stereotypes with heart, humor, and killer music as the band experiences the pressures of success and navigates how to remain true to themselves while monetizing their art.” (Working Title Television, a part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group)
Stevie Wonder and Misty Copeland will receive the George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music and Dance in America, the highest honor bestowed by the Peabody Institute. In addition, Wonder and Copeland will deliver addresses for the Peabody Conservatory’s 2024 graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, May 22.
Copeland, the first dancer to receive the George Peabody Medal, will address undergraduates at the morning ceremony; Wonder will speak at the afternoon ceremony for graduate students. The following day, Johns Hopkins University will present an honorary doctorate to Wonder at its universitywide commencement ceremony.
Other recent Peabody winners include Herbie Hancock, Renée Fleming, Tori Amos, Leon Fleisher, Yo-Yo Ma and Jessye Norman.
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Wonder is a 25-time Grammy winner. He won album of the year with three consecutive studio albums in the 1970s, a feat that has yet to be duplicated. In 1999, he received the Kennedy Center Honors.
“Stevie Wonder and Misty Copeland have dedicated their lives to making art and to lifting up others through music and dance, inspiring audiences and setting powerful examples for generations of younger performers,” Peabody dean Fred Bronstein said in a statement.
“By any measure, Stevie Wonder has been one of the most influential artists of his time, a remarkable artistic personality born of Motown but destined to exceed what even that juggernaut has meant to the world of music,” Bronstein added. “At the same time, he has been a leading voice in important social and civic causes, connecting his art with social justice to create a legacy of activism closely intertwined with his truly outsized impact in music.”
“Misty Copeland has broken new ground throughout her career, as the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre,” Bronstein said. “By excelling as a Black woman in ballet, she has led change in the art form, and inspired countless younger dancers, performers, athletes, and audience members — in the process, elevating the power and relevance of dance as a medium for expression.”
This year marks the Peabody Conservatory’s 142nd graduation exercises. The undergraduate ceremony is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, with a second ceremony for graduate degrees to follow at 2 p.m. Both ceremonies will take place in Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall on the Peabody Institute’s Baltimore campus, and will be available to view via livestream. In-person attendance is ticketed and reserved for graduates and their families and guests. Additional details are available at the Peabody Institute’s website.
This is getting to be a habit. Atlanta, which won a Peabody Award in its first season in 2016, today became one of the few series to win a second Peabody Award. The 2023 awards, with 35 winners honored, were announced on Tuesday (May 9).
Of Atlanta, the Peabody Awards said, “The experimental series, in which Donald Glover plays a shiftless Princeton dropout trying to manage his cousin’s burgeoning rap career, won a Peabody for its first season in 2016 for its sharp, evocative depiction of its eponymous city and the cast of characters making their way through it. Now, in its final seasons, the groundbreaking series has transcended its original success by introducing an anthology-style structure in season three that deviates largely from the central cast, allowing the final two installments of Atlanta to display a wealth of creativity and insight.”
Glover can put his two Peabody Awards alongside the two Primetime Emmys he won for the series in 2017 — outstanding lead actor in a comedy series and outstanding directing in a comedy series. Glover has also won five Grammys under his Childish Gambino alter ego. He won four of them, including record and song of the year, for “This Is America,” which was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018.
Better Call Saul also won a second Peabody Award. Like Atlanta, it previously won for its first season. Of the show, the Peabodys said, “It is a remarkable thing for a spin-off to surpass the artistic terms of its predecessor, even more so when that predecessor is as excellent as Breaking Bad, but that’s precisely what Better Call Saul did by the end of its six seasons.”
Entertainment programming led all categories with 10 wins, followed by eight for documentaries and seven for news
Other entertainment winners included Abbott Elementary, Quinta Brunson’s ABC sitcom, which appears to be headed for a Primetime Emmy win as outstanding comedy series; We’re Free, an HBO docuseries about drag queens; Severance, an Apple TV+ series from director and executive producer Ben Stiller and creator Dan Erickson; and Los Espookys, a Spanish-language comedy with English subtitles, which was created and written by Julio Torres, Ana Fabrega, and SNL alum Fred Armisen.
The Peabodys were especially warm in their capsule description of We’re Here: “Whenever Shangela, Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka O’Hara alight on any given town during any one episode of HBO’s docuseries We’re Here, their purpose is clear: All three queens are eager to preach the gospel of drag. Drag isn’t a mask you hide behind, as they suggest with every new transformation of a local trio tasked with performing at the end of every episode; it’s a way to reveal who you really are.”
We Need to Talk About Cosby won a Peabody in the documentary category. The Peabodys noted: “For decades, no figure shaped America’s perception of Black life with as much authority as Bill Cosby. His eponymous sitcom wasn’t just a massive commercial success; it also opened the door for countless other television series focused on Black characters. And yet, W. Kamau Bell’s deeply personal docuseries takes up the troubling quandary of Cosby in modern times, given all we now know about him — the man, the entertainment phenomenon, the paragon of respectability politics and the predator.”
The winners were chosen by a unanimous vote of 32 jurors from more than 1,400 entries from television, podcasts/radio and the web/digital in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service and interactive programming. PBS had the most wins (six), followed by Apple TV+ and Disney+ (three each), and HBO Max (two).
The winners of the 83rd Annual Peabody Awards will be celebrated on Sunday, June 11, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. This will be Peabody’s first in-person ceremony since 2019, as well as the first time in its history that the awards will take place in Los Angeles. Bob Bain Productions is set to produce the event. Variety is the media partner for the awards ceremony.
Peabody previously announced four specialty awards including NBC News’ TODAY as an Institutional Award winner. Lily Tomlin was named winner of the Peabody Career Achievement Award; Issa Rae won the Peabody Trailblazer Award; and Shari Frilot was named the winner of the Visionary Award.
Here’s a complete list of 2023 Peabody Award winners listed by category, with network/platform in parentheses:
Entertainment
Abbott Elementary; Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios (ABC)
Andor; Lucasfilm Ltd. (Disney+)
Atlanta; FX Productions (FX)
Bad Sisters; Merman / ABC Signature in association with Apple (Apple TV+)
Better Call Saul; High Bridge, Crystal Diner, Gran Via Productions and Sony Pictures Television (AMC)
Los Espookys; HBO in association with Broadway Video, Antigravico and Mas Mejor (HBO Max)
Mo; A24 (Netflix)
Pachinko; Media Res / Blue Marble Pictures in association with Apple (Apple TV+)
Severance; Fifth Season / Red Hour Productions in association with Apple (Apple TV+)
We’re Here; HBO in association with House of Opus 20 and IPC (HBO Max)
Arts
Fire of Love; National Geographic Documentary Films presents A Sandbox Films Production / An Intuitive Pictures & Cottage M Production (Disney+)
Documentary
Aftershock; Onyx Collective and ABC News Studios present a Malka Films and Madstone Company Inc Production In Association with Good Gravy Films and JustFilms | Ford Foundation Impact Partners
Batata; Saaren Films Inc., Six Island Productions Inc., Musa Dagh Productions (Streaming platforms)
Independent Lens: Missing in Brooks County; ITVS, Fork Films, Engel Entertainment (PBS)
Independent Lens: Writing with Fire; Black Ticket Films (PBS)
Mariupol: The People’s Story; Top Hat Productions / Hayloft Productions (BBC Select)
The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks; SO’B Productions (Peacock)
The Territory; National Geographic Documentary Films Presents A Documist And Associação Jupaú Film in association with Time Studios, Xtr, Doc Society Climate Story Fund / A Production of Protozoa Pictures, Passion Pictures, Real Lava (Disney+)
We Need to Talk About Cosby; Showtime Documentary Films Presents, A Boardwalk Pictures Production, In Association With WKB Industries (Showtime Networks)
Interactive & Immersive
ContraPoints; Natalie Wynn (YouTube)
Life Is Strange: True Colors; Deck Nine Games & Square Enix External Studios (PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Stadia)
Lucy and the Wolves in the Walls; Fable Studio, Third Rail Projects, Sound+Design, Story Studio & Experiences (Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest)
Reeducated; The New Yorker (Oculus, Mobile, Desktop)
The Uncensored Library; Media.Monks, Reporters without Borders, DDB Germany (Minecraft)
News
Guns in America; PBS NewsHour (PBS NewsHour)
Frontline: Michael Flynn’s Holy War; Frontline (PBS) with The Associated Press (PBS)
Frontline: Ukraine: Life Under Russia’s Attack; Frontline (PBS) with Channel 4
The Gap: Failure to Treat, Failure to Protect; KARE-TV (NBC/KARE-TV)
No Justice for Women in the Taliban’s Afghanistan; VICE News (VICE News)
One Day in Hebron; AJ+ (Direct From)
Shimon Prokupecz: Unraveling Uvalde; CNN (CNN)
Podcast/Radio
Stolen: Surviving St. Michael’s; Spotify & Gimlet Media (Spotify)
The Divided Dial; On the Media/New York Public Radio (New York Public Radio)
This American Life: The Pink House at the Center of the World; This American Life (This American Life)
Public Service
Frontline: The Power of Big Oil; Frontline (PBS) (PBS)
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