Podcast Academy Names Wyatt Cenac Host For Sixth Annual Ambies Awards.

Comedian and writer Wyatt Cenac has been tapped as the host of the 6th Annual Awards for Excellence in Audio, otherwise known as The Ambies.

“Podcasting has become one of the most exciting places for ideas and storytelling,” he says in the announcement. “I’m looking forward to honoring the creators, keeping the energy up, and helping make the night feel as vibey and engaging as the podcasts themselves.”

Cenac created, hosted, and executive produced his own late-night show for HBO, “Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas,” where he explored America’s most pressing issues. Prior to that, he was a correspondent and writer for “The Daily Show” for four seasons and a writer on “King of the Hill.”

When the ceremony takes place later this month, Cenac will be joined by Donwill, who will serve as the evening’s official house DJ, providing musical moments throughout the night. Donwill’s work spans music, podcasting, and television. His Okayplayer-produced podcast “The Almanac of Rap.”

“Wyatt Cenac brings sharp wit, cultural intelligence, and a deep respect for the craft of podcasting,” says Christy Mirabal, Chair of The Podcast Academy. “Paired with Donwill’s impeccable musical instincts and effortless ability to read a room, this year’s Ambies will feel alive, electric, and unmistakably Brooklyn. Together, they’re setting the tone for a ceremony that’s as dynamic and inventive as the podcasting community itself.”

The Ambies will be presented as part of the On Air Fest on Monday, Feb. 23 in Brooklyn, NY.

The Ambies celebrate excellence in podcasting. It will honor 227 nominees across 33 categories, including six new categories: Podcast Advertiser Innovator Award, Best Ad Read, Best Branded Podcast, Best Emerging Podcast, Best Use of Video in a Podcast, and Vanguard Podcaster of the Year. Winners in 32 categories are selected by the full voting membership of The Podcast Academy.

The organization has also announced the jury who has selected the 2026 Vanguard Podcaster of the Year, honoring an individual who has had a standout year in podcasting. The committee includes Sonoro Chief Content Officer Camila Victoriano; Sony Music Entertainment Senior VP of Global Podcast Strategy & Operations Emily Rasekh; documentary podcaster and “9/12” creator Dan Taberski; Tribeca Festival Head of Podcasts Davy Gardner; The Black Effect President Dollie S. Bishop; “Shut Up Evan” host Evan Ross Katz; author and “Bone Valley” host Gilbert King; Pushkin Industries CEO Gretta Cohn; Owl & co-founder Hernan Lopez; Paper Kite Head and “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” producer Jenna Weiss-Berman; Audible Head of Content/North America Marshall Lewy; Ad Results Media founder and former CEO Marshall Williams; content creator and “The Useless Hotline” host Max Balegde; “Dying for Sex” host Nikki Boyer; “30 for 30 Podcasts” Head Preeti Varathan; author Roxane Gay; On Air Presents Director Scott Newman; Daylight Media Chief Strategy Officer Steve Wilson; and writer, music journalist and podcaster Touré Neblett.