Comedian Nikki Glaser returned as host of the Golden Globes on Sunday, delivering a sharp and hilarious opening monologue that roasted many of Hollywood’s biggest names.
Glaser kicked off the night by joking about her own return. “Just like Wicked, I’m back for a sequel,” she quipped. She compared herself to Frankenstein, saying she had been “pieced together by an unlicensed European surgeon,” and poked fun at the podcasters nominated that night, adding, “I should not be allowed to be this close to Julia Roberts.”
Her monologue set the tone for the evening as she reflected on the past year in film and television. The audience took her cutting remarks in stride, laughing along as she delivered some of the evening’s best jokes.
Glaser’s humor ranged from playful jabs at celebrities to sharp observations about Hollywood culture. She opened with a line about the event itself, calling it “without a doubt, the most important thing happening in the world right now,” before moving to witty comments about studios, celebrities, and award categories.
She poked fun at A-list celebrities, joking, “By A-listers I mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted,” and added a playful jab at George Clooney about his Nespresso machine. Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were the subjects of several light-hearted jokes, including a comparison to a comedy duo and a nod to their recent work.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and other stars were also targets of Glaser’s humor. She joked about DiCaprio’s impressive career and teased him about personal life details, while calling Sean Penn “original” for his unique approach to aging.
Glaser did not shy away from clever pop culture references. She joked that Hamnet was the original name for Spanx and playfully teased Michael B. Jordan for playing twins in the movie Sinners. Wicked made a return with Wicked: For Money, and Glaser highlighted standout performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. She even quipped she would listen to Grande sing the phone book.
Other stars received quirky mentions, including Timothée Chalamet, who she noted had gained muscle for a movie about ping-pong. Glaser also acknowledged filmmakers, jokingly praising Guillermo del Toro and James Cameron for continuing to make “weird monster movies.” Noah Wyle, Jacob Elordi, and Paul Mescal were all humorously acknowledged for their unique contributions to television and pop culture.
The monologue concluded with a nod to comedy veterans Steve Martin and Martin Short, as Glaser highlighted their lasting presence in the entertainment industry. Her jokes balanced playful ridicule with admiration, keeping the audience laughing while celebrating achievements in film and television.
Glaser’s return as host showed her sharp wit and ability to entertain the star-studded audience while providing memorable commentary on the entertainment world. Fans and viewers praised her for delivering a monologue that combined humor, satire, and a touch of irreverence, making the night both fun and engaging.
Her jokes not only entertained attendees but also offered commentary on Hollywood’s quirks, the awards process, and celebrity culture. By blending personal humor with cultural references, Glaser successfully set a lively tone for the 2026 Golden Globes, reminding viewers why her hosting is highly anticipated.
