LOS ANGELES (AP) – Nikki Glaser delivered a vibrant opening monologue as the host of the 83rd Golden Globes, showcasing her sharp wit and comedic timing. Her performance, which aired on CBS from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, combined humor with pointed commentary about various figures and issues in Hollywood. Glaser's style oscillated between hard-hitting jokes and lighthearted banter, keeping the audience engaged throughout the event.
Right from the start, Glaser tackled controversial subjects, making a bold reference to the infamous Epstein Files and touting her jabs at CBS, the network for the evening’s broadcast. She quipped, “There are so many A-listers, and by A-listers, I do mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted,” and added, “And the Golden Globe for best editing goes to the Justice Department.” This set the tone for her monologue, implying a mix of humor and critique regarding the elite gathering of celebrities.
Shifting focus, Glaser mocked CBS News for its recent controversies, particularly the sidelining of a critical “60 Minutes” story about the Trump Administration's actions concerning immigrant detainment in El Salvador. “The award for most editing goes to CBS News,” she declared, leading into her comparative jab: “Yes, CBS News: America’s newest place to see BS news.” However, amidst her incisive humor, Glaser refrained from delving into the delicate topic of Venezuela, opting to stay mindful of its ongoing complexities.
One of the more challenging targets for Glaser was the beloved actress Julia Roberts. She shared with the Associated Press her difficulties in crafting a joke about Roberts that resonated well with audiences. Ultimately, she found a roundabout way to approach the topic by stating, “Just like the podcasters nominated tonight, I should not be allowed to be this close to Julia Roberts,” earning laughter from the audience and a touch of relief recognizing her success in this delivery.
This marked Glaser's second appearance as the host of the Golden Globes, having received acclaim for her performance the previous year. She was brought back after the strong reception of her roast at the Netflix event honoring Tom Brady. While her humor remained sharp, she adopted a slightly softer touch during the Globes, though her jokes still retained significant punch.
Continuing her set, Glaser humorously addressed the dating habits of Leonardo DiCaprio, stating, “You’ve worked with every great director. You’ve won three Golden Globes and an Oscar, and the most impressive thing is that you were able to accomplish all of that before your girlfriend turned 30.” She followed this with a self-aware admission of the joke’s predictable nature, prompting laughter, even from DiCaprio himself.
Glaser’s humorous approach extended to Timothée Chalamet, whom she joked about prior to announcing his win under the “Marty Supreme” category. She quipped, “the first actor in history to have to put on muscle for a movie about ping pong. This is true. He gained over 60 ounces.” Her playful and candid delivery highlighted her knack for funny yet relatable observations.
During the show, Glaser also engaged with the audience by humorously showcasing the ballroom’s layout. She commented, “To my right are the tables for ‘Hamnet,’ ‘All Her Fault,’ and ‘Bugonia,’ an area we’re calling ‘traumatized woman alley. We’ll never find out where ‘traumatized men alley’ is because they’re not allowed to tell us.” This clever twist on social narratives added a layer of depth to her comedy that resonated with viewers.
In a nod to her past gimmicks, she attempted to sing a playful medley, including a clever mashup titled "K-Pong Demon Hunters," donning athletic wear and incorporating a ping pong paddle-shaped microphone. Fran Drescher playfully interrupted her mid-performance, presenting a humorous banter that resonated with the audience.
Moreover, Glaser received a comedic jab from Judd Apatow while presenting the Best Director award, who reminisced about her past as his babysitter, humorously recalling her comedic themes of reefer and strange sexual escapades. This added an element of nostalgia and lightheartedness to the festivities.
Overall, Glaser’s performance at the 83rd Golden Globes showcased her evolution as a comedian while retaining her distinct voice and humor, making the event memorable and entertaining for all in attendance.
