Cover Nikki Glaser hosted the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Nikki Glaser hosted the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
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Host Nikki Glaser has been lauded by critics and viewers alike for an opening monologue that hit all the right notes
Nikki Glaser made a splash at the 2025 Golden Globes, not just as the first woman to solo-host the event, but as a comedian who expertly navigated the line between edgy, topical humor and universal appeal. The first-time host’s opening monologue set the tone for an evening of celebration, introspection, and laughter—and it’s already being hailed as one of the best in the show’s recent history.
Last year’s hosting turn by Jo Koy drew very mixed reviews, so viewers were holding their breath for Glaser’s follow-up. Critics were kinder from the outset, celebrating her as a trailblazer. Nevertheless, it was Glaser’s humour and masterful delivery that quickly won the audience over.
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Masterclass in preparation
Nikki Glaser has repeatedly said that she has rehearsed her monologue over 90 times to ensure every joke landed perfectly. Apparently learning her lesson from last year’s Globes, where Jo Koy famously only had two weeks to prepare for hosting, Glaser practiced rigorously—and it seemed to pay off in her confident delivery, precise timing, and smooth transitions between topics. Honed by her standup act, Glaser owned the stage with the poise of a seasoned entertainer.
Edgy humour with heart
The magic of Glaser’s monologue lay in its balance. Known for her sharp wit, she managed to craft jokes that were both hilarious and respectful, pulling short of crossing the line without playing it too safe. “Welcome to the 82nd Golden Globes—Ozempic’s biggest night,” she quipped. “I’m Nikki Glaser and I’m absolutely thrilled to be your host tonight. I gotta say, this feels like I finally made it. I’m in a room full of producers at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and this time, all of my clothes are on,” she joked, drawing laughs while subtly addressing the industry’s tumultuous recent years.
Her humour was incisive without being cruel, a rare feat in an era where comedy needs to navigate many tricky considerations. By doing so, she not only entertained but also created a welcoming atmosphere for both the Hollywood audience and the viewers at home.
Subtle commentary on controversial issues
Glaser’s monologue wasn’t just about laughs; it was also about making a statement. She tackled Hollywood’s double standards with aplomb, addressing topics like sexism and harassment in the industry. “I predict five years from now, when you’re watching old clips of this show on Youtube, you’ll see someone in one of the crowd shots, and you’ll go, ‘Oh my god, that was before they caught that guy.’ We don’t even know with who. He knows…or she. It could be a woman,” she said near the end of the monologue, striking a chord with the audience. “I think a hundred per cent of the time it’s a man, but it could be a woman. It won’t be, it never is—kind of like Best Director,” she concluded as the camera panned to Allison Janney and Kerri Russell of The Diplomat doubling over in laughter.
Good-natured jabs
Unlike some of the former hosts—Ricky Gervais and the aforementioned Jo Koy come to mind—Glaser did not go too far when poking fun at the celebrities in the room. She acknowledged early on that she was known for her roasts, but that she was not there to get laughs at their expense. Even when she devoted a portion of her act focusing on Timothée Chalamet—ribbing him about everything from his thin facial hair (“You have the most gorgeous eyelashes…on your upper lip”) to being famous for being famous (“You were great as Timothée Chalamet this year too”)—none of the celebrities looked uncomfortable at the attention. Glaser looked like she was genuinely happy to be there, always laughing with the objects of her punchlines, and never at them.
Audience reception
There were admittedly mixed reactions in the critical press following Glaser’s monologue. Media outlets—notably those on the conservative end of the socio-political spectrum—called Glaser’s jokes “crude”, “mean”, and even “gross”. Others, however, praised Glaser as the “best host” of the Globes, praising her “stellar monologue” and saying that the comedian “crushed it.”
On social media, there appeared to be more kudos than jeers, with one commenter saying jubilantly, “Posting this for all you Nikki Glaser fans —She’s killing it tonight.”
