Comedian Nikki Glaser made a triumphant return as host of the 2026 Golden Globes, delivering a blistering opening monologue that left Hollywood’s elite both laughing and squirming in their seats. The veteran entertainer, hosting for the second consecutive year, unleashed a barrage of sharp-witted observations that spanned the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures and recent controversies.
Glaser kicked off the ceremony with self-deprecating humor, comparing herself to various pop culture phenomena. ‘Just like Wicked, I’m back for a sequel,’ she announced to the star-studded audience. ‘Just like Frankenstein, I’ve been pieced together by an unlicensed European surgeon. And just like the podcasters nominated tonight, I should not be allowed to be this close to Julia Roberts.’
The comedian’s razor-sharp commentary touched upon numerous industry topics, from Warner Bros’ recent corporate struggles to Hollywood’s production challenges. ‘We’re celebrating the best of TV and film right here in the heart of Los Angeles,’ she noted, ‘where no TV or film has been made for the past six years.’
Glaser spared no one in her comedic crosshairs, targeting A-list celebrities with precision. She playfully needled George Clooney about his Nespresso partnership, wondering aloud about watery coffee issues. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart received particular attention, with Glaser dubbing them ‘Steve Martin and Martin Short but for people with under 50 IQ.’
Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating history became prime material, with Glaser apologizing for the predictable joke while noting ‘we don’t know anything else about you, man.’ Sean Penn’s evolving appearance inspired comparisons to ‘a sexy leather handbag,’ while Timothée Chalamet’s physical transformation for a ping-pong movie drew amused commentary.
The host also tackled recent film releases, offering backhanded compliments to Wicked’s extended runtime and praising Guillermo del Toro and James Cameron for their continued dedication to ‘weird monster sex movies.’ Younger stars Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal received shoutouts for being indistinguishable to mothers everywhere.
Veteran comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short received a more pointed observation about financial necessities in the entertainment industry, highlighting the persistent economic realities facing even established performers.
Despite the biting humor, the celebrity audience received Glaser’s barbs with good grace and laughter, demonstrating the entertainment industry’s ability to laugh at itself during its most glamorous night.