'Wisecrack,' Pablo Torre Win Top Ambies Podcast Awards

Variety

by Cynthia Littleton

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The 6th annual The Ambies podcast awards ceremony, held in Brooklyn as part of the On the Air festival, celebrated excellence in audio storytelling with several standout wins. True-crime podcast *Wisecrack*, hosted by comedian Edd Hedges, took home top honors for podcast of the year. The iHeartPodcasts series explores Hedges’ shocking downward spiral following a charity event in his hometown, blending humor and crime in a gripping narrative. Additionally, *Wisecrack* claimed awards for nonfiction screenwriting, society and culture podcasting, and production and sound design. Meanwhile, sports veteran Pablo Torre made history as the first repeat winner of podcaster of the year for Meadowlark Media’s *Pablo Torre Finds Out*. The podcast also earned recognition for best sports podcast, cementing its place in the competitive sports podcasting space. The ceremony, hosted by comedian Wyatt Cenac, featured a star-studded lineup of winners across categories, including best comedy podcast (*Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend*), best true crime podcast (*Sea of Lies*), and best history podcast (*Our Ancestors Were Messy*). The Ambies awards highlight the growing influence of podcasts in entertainment and culture. By celebrating both established series like *Wisecrack* and emerging voices like those behind *How Is This Better?*, the event underscores the diversity and innovation within audio storytelling. For readers interested in podcasting’s role in modern entertainment, these wins signal a continued shift toward high-quality, engaging content that resonates with audiences globally. With *The Ambies* recognizing excellence across genres and formats, it’s clear that podcasts are not just an alternative medium—they’re a dominant force in shaping the future of audio entertainment.

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Variety on 2/25/2026