The 2026 Golden Globes kicked off with a dose of sharp humour as host Nikki Glaser didn't shy away from targeting Hollywood's biggest stars. One of her most memorable barbs was directed at the acclaimed actor Leonardo DiCaprio, playfully mocking his well-documented dating history.
The Punchline That Had Everyone Talking
During her opening monologue at the prestigious awards ceremony, Glaser seamlessly wove in a joke about DiCaprio's romantic life. She pointed out the actor's presence in the audience, quipping that he was there for "one man bun after another". The comedian then cleverly juxtaposed this with a list of DiCaprio's illustrious career achievements, highlighting the stark contrast often discussed in popular culture.
The most biting part of the joke, which elicited a mix of laughter and gasps from the star-studded crowd, was a reference to the actor's pattern of dating younger women. Glaser humorously advised the audience to catch his acclaimed performances "...before your girlfriend turned 30". This line directly played into the long-running internet meme about DiCaprio's relationships, bringing a viral trope to the mainstream awards show stage.
Context and Reaction
The event took place on January 12, 2026. Glaser, known for her fearless and observational comedy style, was hosting the ceremony. Her roast of DiCaprio was a classic awards show moment, where the host's role is to entertain by gently teasing the attendees. While the joke was pointed, it was delivered in the spirit of light-hearted ribbing common at such events.
Leonardo DiCaprio, an Oscar winner and one of the most recognised actors of his generation, was reportedly a good sport about the joke. Cameras captured him smiling and laughing along with the audience, showing he took the well-publicised jest in stride. The moment quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights from the night's broadcast, sparking immediate reactions on social media platforms.
Awards Show Humour in the Spotlight
Incidents like these underscore the unique role of a host at major award ceremonies like the Golden Globes. The monologue is expected to walk a fine line between being funny and edgy without causing genuine offence. Glaser's joke succeeded in referencing a widely known public narrative about DiCaprio in a way that felt current and connected with both the live audience and viewers at home.
Such roasts often become defining moments of the awards season, generating headlines and watercooler conversations far beyond the event itself. The 2026 Golden Globes monologue ensured that Nikki Glaser's hosting debut would be remembered for its boldness and her willingness to playfully tackle Hollywood's open secrets, with Leonardo DiCaprio's dating life taking centre stage for a brief, hilarious moment.
