James Beard Award Semifinalists 2026
The official 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists have been announced. See the complete list of restaurants and chefs recognized in every category.
www.jamesbeard.orgThe 2026 James Beard Awards spanning Restaurant, Chef, Media, and Humanitarian categories across the lineup and the Restaurant and Chef ceremony set for June 15, 2026 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago while the Media Awards took place on June 13, 2026 in Chicago. Semifinalists were announced in January 2026, with further nominee announcements in March and May 2026, leading to the final winners in mid-June. The Foundation also highlighted Lifetime Achievement, Impact Awards, and Humanitarian of the Year as part of the lineup. The James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system often described as the Oscars of the food world.