Nikki Glaser returned to host the 2026 Golden Globes for a second consecutive year, delivering an opening monologue that pushed boundaries while navigating Hollywood’s unwritten rules about who can—and can’t—be roasted.
Her most surprising discovery? America isn’t ready for anyone to poke fun at Julia Roberts.
Not even a little.
The comedian tested material at Los Angeles comedy clubs before taking the Golden Globes stage, learning firsthand which celebrities audiences will protect at all costs.
Testing Boundaries: The Julia Roberts Challenge
Glaser revealed to Yahoo that crafting a joke about Roberts—nominated for best actress in a film drama for After the Hunt—proved unexpectedly difficult.
No one wants you to make fun of America’s Sweetheart. Not even the lightest, most innocent joke.
Instead of abandoning Roberts entirely, Glaser pivoted to self-deprecation. Her final approach? Comparing herself to controversial podcasters nominated that evening.
Just like the podcasters nominated tonight, I should not be allowed to be this close to Julia Roberts.
The joke landed perfectly, drawing genuine laughter while keeping Roberts off-limits.
Leonardo DiCaprio Gets Roasted (Again)
While Roberts remained protected, Leonardo DiCaprio received no such courtesy. Glaser zeroed in on the 51-year-old actor’s well-documented preference for dating younger women.
DiCaprio has been dating Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti, 27, since 2023—a relationship that provided perfect material for Glaser’s sharp wit.
What a career you’ve had. Countless iconic performances, you’ve worked with every great director, you’ve won three Golden Globes, an Oscar, and the most impressive thing is that you were able to accomplish that all before your girlfriend turned 30.
DiCaprio laughed along as Glaser continued her assault, expressing mock frustration about his private nature.
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! I looked! I searched! The most in-depth interview you’ve ever given was in Teen Beat magazine in 1991.
Political Jabs: Epstein Files and Trump Administration
Glaser didn’t shy away from current events, despite telling the Associated Press she initially felt wary about addressing certain political topics.
She tackled the Trump administration’s recent redactions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein with biting precision.
I cannot believe the amount of star power we have in this room tonight. It’s insane. There are so many A-listers, and by A-list I do mean a list that has been heavily redacted. And the Golden Globe for best editing goes to the Justice Department.
The joke cut through Hollywood glamour to address uncomfortable political realities—exactly what award show hosts are supposed to do.
CBS Gets Called Out for Censorship
Perhaps Glaser’s boldest move? Attacking the network broadcasting the ceremony.
She called out CBS for pulling a 60 Minutes segment about alleged abuse of Venezuelan immigrants at an El Salvador prison following deportations by the Trump administration.
And the award for most editing goes to CBS News … America’s newest place to see BS news.
Biting the hand that feeds you takes courage. Glaser delivered it with perfect timing.
Podcasts: Hollywood’s Newest Obsession
This year marked the Golden Globes’ first-ever Best Podcast category, which Glaser addressed through a brilliant parody.
She recreated AMC’s iconic Nicole Kidman theater ad, but instead of entering a cinema, Glaser climbed into her car to listen to a podcast. What followed was painfully relatable for anyone who’s ever struggled through aggressive advertising and banal interview questions.
That indescribable feeling when the episode starts to play.
Immediately, loud ads blared as Glaser frantically tried skipping through them—a frustrating experience every podcast listener knows intimately.
The parody perfectly captured modern media consumption: mundane questions like “What’s your favorite cookie?” and “What time do you like to eat dinner?” replacing substantive conversation.
Musical Numbers and Fran Drescher’s Surprise Appearance
Continuing her second-year tradition, Glaser performed a musical mashup combining lyrics about Marty Supreme—a film about table tennis—set to “Golden” from Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters.
I won’t give up, up, up on this song, yeah!
Glaser wielded a ping pong paddle as her microphone until Fran Drescher—Marty Supreme costar and iconic voice behind The Nanny—interrupted.
You have to stop singing, your voice is so annoying.
When Drescher asked if Glaser planned to sing in Korean, the comedian had one final punchline ready.
No. I was going to rap in Korean.
Balancing Act: Roasting Without Crossing Lines
Glaser’s 2026 Golden Globes performance demonstrated sophisticated comedy craft: knowing which targets audiences will embrace and which remain protected.
Her strategy included:
- Testing material at comedy clubs before major appearances
- Reading audience reactions to adjust jokes accordingly
- Using self-deprecation when direct roasts won’t land
- Targeting those already accustomed to public scrutiny (DiCaprio, politicians)
- Attacking powerful institutions (networks, government) rather than beloved individuals
Beyond Roberts, Glaser also ribbed Jennifer Lawrence, Sean Penn, George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson, and Kevin Hart—all celebrities whose public personas can withstand comedic jabs.
Her willingness to call out CBS while hosting their broadcast showed genuine fearlessness. That courage, combined with careful audience research, created a monologue that felt both daring and calculated.
Glaser proved that successful award show hosting requires more than quick wit—it demands understanding which cultural icons remain untouchable and which are fair game.