Comedian Nikki Glaser took centre stage once again as the host of the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, held on Sunday, January 12. In her highly anticipated opening monologue, Glaser delivered a series of sharp, sizzling jokes aimed directly at the A-list celebrities gathered in the room, setting a bold and humorous tone for the evening.
A Sequel Worth Watching: Glaser's Return & Opening Jabs
Addressing her return to the prestigious hosting gig for the second consecutive year, Glaser kicked things off with a self-deprecating quip. She remarked that her comeback was "just like Wicked, I'm back for a sequel", before humorously adding she felt "just like Frankenstein, I've been pieced together by an unlicensed European surgeon." The audience was immediately in her grasp, ready for the roast to come.
The comedian did not hold back, turning her attention to one of Hollywood's most famous bachelors, Leonardo DiCaprio. In one of the night's most talked-about burns, Glaser highlighted his illustrious career before zeroing in on his personal life. "What a career Leonardo DiCaprio has had. Countless iconic performances, you've worked with every great director, you've won three Golden Globes and an Oscar, and the most impressive thing is you were able to accomplish all that before your girlfriend turned 30," she declared, to a mix of gasps and laughter from the crowd.
In a playful follow-up, Glaser then apologised to DiCaprio, who was seen laughing and nodding in agreement. "Leo, I'm sorry I made that joke. It's cheap. I tried not to, but, like, we don't know anything else about you, man. There's nothing else. Open up! I'm serious!" The actor responded with a thumbs-up, showing he was a good sport.
Hollywood's Biggest Stories Under Fire
Glaser's monologue masterfully wove in references to the year's biggest industry headlines. She started with a dig at the rumoured Netflix-Warner Bros deal, joking, "So let's get down to business, shall we? We'll start the bidding for Warner Bros at $5, do I hear $5?"
She then seamlessly transitioned to one of the most sensitive topics, the Epstein files. With a sly grin, she noted, "There are so many A-listers here, and by A-listers, I mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted. And the Golden Globe for best editing goes to the Justice Department." The bold joke landed with a nervous yet appreciative chuckle across the room.
Shoutouts and Roasts for the Star-Studded Room
The host also had time for some lighter, playful jabs and compliments. She gave a shoutout to Best Actor winner Timothee Chalamet, teasing, "He's the first actor in history to have to put on muscle for a movie about ping-pong."
Her praise for Michael B. Jordan took a hilarious turn. Referring to his role in 'Sinners', she said, "In Sinners, Michael played two brothers--am I allowed to say that? Doesn't sound right... He played twins. I can't believe it, we got two Michael B. Jordans. When I saw that, I was like Nikki B. Jerkin' because that was awesome." Jordan, seated next to his mother, was caught on camera laughing awkwardly.
No one was safe from Glaser's witty observations. She called Sean Penn a "sexy leather handbag" and referred to the duo of Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson as the "Steve Martin and Martin Short for people under 50 IQ."
Having made a successful debut as host last year, Nikki Glaser was swiftly rehired for the 2026 edition of the Golden Globes. Her latest performance proved why she is becoming a favourite for the role, blending fearless comedy with a touch of charm that keeps even her targets entertained.
