The true crime community gathered recently at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for the 2026 Clue Awards, a highlight of the annual CrimeCon event. The ceremony, which honors excellence in television, film, digital media, and literature within the true crime genre, saw streaming giant Hulu and long-standing investigative programs like 48 Hours take home the night’s most prestigious trophies.
The evening’s proceedings were led by Chris Hansen, the investigative journalist and current host of Takedown With Chris Hansen. Throughout the three-day convention, attendees celebrated the narratives that have captivated audiences globally, ranging from cold case breakthroughs to scripted parodies of the genre.
Hulu Takes the Lead in Television
Hulu solidified its position as a powerhouse for crime-related content, securing wins in two major categories. The critically acclaimed Only Murders in the Building was named the year’s Outstanding Scripted Series. The show, which blends comedy with deep-seated mystery, continues to be a favorite for its unique meta-commentary on the world of true crime podcasting.
On the non-fiction side, Hulu’s Girl on the Run: The Hunt for America’s Most Wanted took home the award for Outstanding Docuseries. Produced in collaboration with ABC News Studios, the series was recognized for its gripping storytelling and investigative depth.
Honoring Advocacy and Investigative Excellence
In a poignant moment of the night, the Crimefighter of the Year award was presented to Jena-Lisa Jones, Haley Robson, and Courtney Wild. These survivors of the Jeffrey Epstein case were honored for their tireless advocacy through The Survivors, Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering those who have endured sexual assault. The award was presented by the Patty and German families, who were the 2025 recipients for their work following the tragedies involving Abigail Williams and Liberty German.
Law enforcement excellence was also in the spotlight as Law&Crime unveiled the winners of the 2026 “America’s Greatest Detective.” The honor was bestowed upon Tara Augustin and Alyson Dupouy of the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland for their instrumental work in resolving the long-standing Leslie Preer cold case.
The Full List of 2026 Clue Award Winners
The diversity of this year’s winners reflects the evolving landscape of the genre across various platforms:
- Outstanding Docuseries (TV): Girl on the Run: Hunt for America’s Most Wanted (Hulu)
- Outstanding Episodic Series (TV): The Death Investigator with Barbara Butcher (Oxygen True Crime)
- Outstanding Scripted Series (TV): Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Outstanding Docuseries (Podcast): Betrayal (iHeart Podcasts)
- Outstanding Episodic Series (Podcast): 48 Hours: Post Mortem (CBS News)
- Outstanding Documentary Film: Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (Netflix)
- True Crime Book of the Year: Injustice Town by Rick Tulsky
- People’s Choice: Creator of the Year: Stephanie Harlowe and Derrick Levasseur for Crime Weekly
The 2026 ceremony underscored the public’s enduring fascination with justice and the human stories behind the headlines, proving that the true crime genre remains as influential as ever.
