Here Are the 2026 James Beard Awards Media Award Winners
Eater • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The James Beard Foundation announced the 2026 Media Awards winners on June 13 at the Art Institute of Chicago, honoring excellence in cookbooks, food media, podcasts, documentaries, and social media related to food and beverages.
- Sallie Ann Robinson, known for her books on Gullah cuisine, was inducted into the Book Awards Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contribution to culinary literature.
- Notable book winners include Helen Goh’s "Baking and the Meaning of Life," Irene Yoo’s "Soju Party," and Sarah Ahn and Nam Soon Ahn’s "Umma," highlighting diverse culinary traditions and food advocacy.
- Broadcast winners featured a range of media including the podcast "Heard Podcast: Become a Better Chef," Netflix’s "Chef’s Table: Legends," and social media creator Michael Ligier on YouTube.
- Journalism awards recognized impactful food and drink reporting, with honors given to writers like Ryan Sutton, Francis Lam, and Stephanie Breijo for their coverage on food culture, investigative reporting, and personal essays.
