Ben Affleck appeared at the 2026 Peabody Awards at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Sunday, May 31—skipping the red carpet but taking the stage to present the first award. Amy Poehler was honored with the Peabody career achievement aw
Ben Affleck walked into the 2026 Peabody Awards on Sunday, May 31, at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.—without stopping for the red carpet. He still made an early impact, popping up on stage to present the first award of the night.
The actor, 53, didn’t stay limited to the sidelines. His appearance came as the evening’s lineup of celebrity attendees filled in around the ceremony, from honorees to performers.
Amy Poehler also arrived for the event. She was honored with the Peabody career achievement award and was seen on the carpet with her boyfriend, Joel Lovell.
For television fans, the entertainment winners brought their own momentum. Stars from Apple TV’s Pluribus—Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos Manuel Vesga and Samba Schutte—stepped out for the awards, with their series recognized among the entertainment winners.
The crowd extended across comedy, drama, news and music. Recipients in attendance included Jimmy Kimmel and his wife Molly McNearney. along with Guillermo Rodriguez. Michael Urie. Yara Shahidi. Halle Bailey. Ethan Hawke. Mandy Moore. David Muir. Ike Barinholtz. Michael Cooper Jr. Marcia Gay Harden. Poppy Liu. Karen Pittman. Anthony Anderson. Xosha Roquemore. and the host Mo Amer. Aloe Blacc—who opened the show—was also part of the evening’s presentation.
Jeffrey Jones. Peabody’s executive director. said in a statement that the winners of the 86th annual Peabody Awards reflect Peabody’s mission to honor storytelling that can change culture—whether that means examining the destructive tactics of ICE. viewing terminal illness through a deeply personal lens. or resisting attempts to stifle free speech. He added that the organization looks forward to recognizing and celebrating the winners.
This year’s Peabody winners were selected by a jury of 28 jurors. with awards spanning entertainment. documentary. news. podcast/radio. arts. children’s and youth. immersive and interactive media. and public service programming. In total, 34 winners were chosen out of nominees, with more than 1,000 entries across all categories.
Ben Affleck Amy Poehler Peabody Awards 2026 Beverly Wilshire A Four Seasons Hotel Rhea Seehorn Pluribus Apple TV Joel Lovell Jimmy Kimmel Molly McNearney Mo Amer Aloe Blacc entertainment winners
Wow Ben didn’t even hit the red carpet?? What is he doing just strolling in like that.
People really pay attention to carpet stuff like it’s important. Honestly he probably skipped it because the Peabody stage is where the real cameras are anyway. Also Amy Poehler getting honored… good for her I guess.
I’m confused though, it says he “skips red carpet” but then he’s still at Beverly Wilshire, so was it like… a different carpet? And “Poehler honored with Peabody career achievement” sounds like a lifetime ban or something?? not sure. Also ICE got mentioned in there and now I’m thinking this award show is political??
This is kinda random but I saw Ben Affleck on stage and thought he was gonna announce something bigger like an Oscar thing. Skipping the carpet is whatever, but then the article lists like 40 celebrities—how are they all connected? Peabody always sounds like awards for writers and TV and then suddenly it’s about terminal illness and free speech and ICE?? I don’t even know what I’m supposed to take away.