The storytellers behind small-screen entertainment, documentary, news media, and more were among the 30 honorees of this year’s Peabody Awards announced June 21–24. Rewarding “the most compelling and empowering stories released in broadcasting and digital media” of the previous year, the Peabodys named Amazon’s “Small Axe,” Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” and HBO’s “I May Destroy You” among their top entertainment choices.
Based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, each year’s Peabody Awards crown “a collection of 30 stories that powerfully reflect the pressing social issues and the vibrant emerging voices of our day,” per a recent press statement. Selected from 60 nominations by juries of entertainment professionals assessing storytelling quality over popularity over commercial success, the Peabodys have in the past honored such award-winning TV programs as “Fleabag,” “Watchmen,” “Unbelievable,” “Ramy,” and more.
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“Whether documenting the horrors and struggles of COVID-19, amplifying critical discussions around police brutality, or simply entertaining us with heartfelt stories about our shared humanity, the Peabody 30 winners represent the very best in compelling storytelling,” said Peabody Executive Director Jeffrey P. Jones in a statement. “Spanning mediums and genres, they told urgent and powerful stories despite the many challenges posed by the pandemic and an often relentless hostility towards the press.”
Ava DuVernay’s indie distributor Array received an Institutional Award honor, while Sam Pollard was named winner of the Peabody Career Achievement Award. Also honored in the entertainment category were “La Llorona” (Shudder), “The Good Lord Bird” (Showtime), “Unorthodox” (Netflix), and CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” To watch Peabody honoree acceptance videos and more, click here.
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