Golden Globes host mocks celebrities’ failed political influence
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Hollywood got a dose of reality at Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards when host Nikki Glaser delivered a pointed reminder about celebrities’ failed political influence.
During her opening monologue, the comedian took aim at the entertainment industry’s unsuccessful attempts to sway voters toward Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
“I am not here to roast you tonight,” Glaser stated in a moment that quickly went viral on X.
Nikki Glaser’s opening monologue at the #GoldenGlobes. What did we think? pic.twitter.com/F2J6VS33Ae
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Coming from one of entertainment’s most skilled celebrity roasters, this declaration seemed to promise mercy. However, Glaser craftily set up her audience for a masterful takedown.
“How could I, really? You’re all so famous, so talented, so powerful. I mean, you could really do anything,” she said, before landing the zinger: “I mean, except tell the country who to vote for.”
Her observation struck a particularly resonant chord, given Hollywood’s embarrassingly enthusiastic support for Harris and the American public’s subsequent embrace of President-elect Donald Trump instead.
Yet Glaser’s performance wasn’t entirely free from Hollywood’s typical political messaging. She followed up her shrewd observation with a nod to establishment fears, remarking, “But it’s OK. You’ll get ’em next time,” before adding ominously, “if there is one. I’m scared.”
petition for nikki glaser to host every award show pic.twitter.com/tzhklgiaVq
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While Glaser’s jab at Hollywood’s political impotence deserves recognition, it falls somewhat short of the legendary standard set by Ricky Gervais. His memorable hosting stint at the 2020 Golden Globes remains unmatched, where he systematically dismantled Hollywood’s moral pretensions and hypocrisy with unprecedented ruthlessness.
Despite not reaching Gervais’s heights of audacity, Glaser succeeded in delivering one crucial message to the assembled luminaries: Their political endorsements carry little weight with the American public. For an awards show monologue, that’s a refreshing dose of reality in an industry that rarely serves it.
These self-congratulatory ceremonies may remain largely unwatchable affairs – many would prefer an awkward elevator ride with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to enduring them – but Glaser’s moment of candor provided a rare highlight in Hollywood’s typically self-important proceedings.
