Notable Nominees and Trends at the 30th Webby Awards
The 30th edition of the Webby Awards, celebrating the best online content and creators, has unveiled an impressive list of nominees. Among the standout names are Cardi B, Steph Curry, Dwayne Johnson, and Justin Bieber. Additionally, Sydney Sweeney’s unconventional use of her bathwater in a limited-edition soap by Dr. Squatch has also made the cut.
The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences announced the nominees, which came from over 13,000 entries across 70 countries. The Associated Press had an early look at the list, highlighting some of the most innovative and viral content of the year.
Political Figures and Social Media Campaigns
Political figures have also found their way into the nominations. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s social media teams were recognized for their impactful online presence. Meanwhile, Kendall Jenner’s humorous Super Bowl ad, “Bet on Kendall,” which poked fun at her dating misfortunes with athletes, earned three nods. She will compete against Sydney Sweeney, whose campaign involved offering her bathwater for fans to use in a special soap.
Categories and Key Organizations
The Webby Awards are divided into eight major categories, including games, podcasts, websites, video and film, apps and software, AI, and advertising, media, and PR. The organizations with the most nominations include Google (46), PBS (29), Apple (23), The Walt Disney Company (23), NBCUniversal (22), and Netflix (22).
Unconventional Products and Viral Campaigns
Some of the most unusual products of 2025 have also been recognized. These include Absolut’s Tabasco-flavored vodka, Ricola’s limited-edition scarf infused with Swiss alpine herbs, and Panera Bread’s Croissant Clutch handbag. Lidl’s Eau de Croissant fragrance was another quirky nominee.
Duolingo once again captured attention with its fake death of its mascot owl, Duo. This campaign prompted a witty response from Dua Lipa on X, and it was nominated for best PR campaign and best use of earned media. Lipa herself is up for a Webby after Apple documented a day on her Radical Optimism tour.
The finale of “Stranger Things” was a cultural phenomenon last year, and its promotional efforts, including a mobile scavenger hunt, earned three nods. Google Maps and Spotify were used in a campaign for Bad Bunny fans to find track titles from his album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
A Los Angeles billboard featuring Steph Curry was nominated for going viral, as it appeared to show him shooting the moon. LeBron James’ Amazon commercial, where he considers post-basketball careers, also received a nod for best collaboration.
Music Videos and Celebrity Endorsements
Music videos are well-represented in the nominations. Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” is up against Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears,” Rosalía’s “Berghain,” Little Simz’s “Young’,” and Claude’s “C’est La Vie.” Lamar won last year’s music video Webby for “Not Like Us.”
Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for his dramatic readings of Amazon customer reviews for the “Five Star Theater” campaign. Blackpink’s Lisa is also nominated for leading a troupe of professional dancers in a NikeSKIMS ad that sparked many TikTok recreations.
Dwayne Johnson’s surprise visit to the Apalachee High School football team after a school shooting was nominated for best long-form video. Lady Gaga’s Spotify session about her album “Mayhem” was also recognized.
Food Content and Podcasts
Food content creator Nick DiGiovanni earned two nominations for putting MrBeast through culinary boot camp and cooking for animals. MrBeast was also nominated for his animated short series “MrBeast Lab.”
Timothée Chalamet’s look-alike contest attracted thousands, including Chalamet himself, and his Cash App ad, co-starring a giant prickly tropical fruit, was nominated. Justin Bieber’s Twitch broadcast of his Coachella preparations was recognized for community engagement.
Podcasts and Cultural Moments
Podcasts like “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” and “Next Question with Katie Couric” were nominated for best feature podcast host. Palmer’s podcast was also recognized in the interview or talk show category.
On the sports side, podcasts such as “Pablo Torre Finds Out” and “New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce” were nominated. Cardi B’s album rollout, including a stunt in Harlem, earned two nominations. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s short film “I Said I Love You First” was also nominated.
Emily Calandrelli was nominated for tangling with the TSA over her breast pump and stored milk, sparking the hashtag #HandsOffOurMilk. Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers were recognized for discussing the Olympics with “Sesame Street” characters.
