Nikki Glaser returned as the host of the Golden Globes for the second consecutive year, taking center stage on January 11, 2026. Renowned for her sharp wit and playful humor, Glaser opened the evening with light-hearted jabs directed at Hollywood’s elite, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Hart, and popular actors Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal. Following the show, she shared with Howard Stern some punchlines that did not make it to the live broadcast.
Jokes that missed the spotlight
In an interview on SiriusXM’s Howard Stern Show on January 13, Glaser disclosed some of the jokes that were cut before the live event. A notable remark targeting former President Donald Trump was removed by CBS News. While Glaser included a joke about the Epstein files in her performance, she explained the decision to omit the Trump reference: “You just don’t mention that name right now; I want to give it some space.”
Missed opportunities
Another clever jab left out of the show poked fun at actress Chase Infiniti, nominated for Best Actress. Glaser humorously compared her name to JPMorganChase, saying, “Chase Infiniti is nominated tonight, and if you apply now, you can earn five percent cash back on all travel bookings through her until the end of the year.” Additionally, Glaser had a second joke about Infiniti that linked her name to Sean Penn in a risqué manner, but ultimately decided to keep that one under wraps.
Glaser also had a cheeky quip about Jean Smart, the star of “Hacks,” suggesting, “Some people have stage names like Hacks star Jean Smart, whose real name is Corduroy Dumbass.” These lines illustrate Glaser’s knack for combining pop culture references with humor, even though many punchlines were sacrificed in the final edit.
Brad Pitt and the aging Hollywood narrative
A memorable moment that did not air involved a playful jab at Brad Pitt, who was absent from the ceremony. Glaser quipped, “Brad Pitt is nominated for his role in F1 tonight. Isn’t it funny how Hollywood works? A man over 60 gets to play a race car driver, while every woman over 35 is cast as a tired mom.” She complimented Pitt’s performance, adding, “You were so good that I almost believed you drove somewhere in the last 30 years.”
Successful jokes that landed
Despite the jokes that were cut, Glaser’s final monologue resonated with audiences, showcasing her ability to balance humor with sensitivity. She successfully engaged the audience while providing biting commentary on the industry and its stars. Viewers will remember her skillful delivery and clever insights as Glaser navigated the fine line between humor and respect, ultimately delivering a performance that resonated with both the live audience and viewers at home.
In the lead-up to the ceremony, Glaser expressed her excitement about the evening’s atmosphere, noting she felt more comfortable this time compared to her debut. She hinted at a special Taylor Swift moment during her opening, teasing that she would strut onto the stage to one of Swift’s hits from the album 1989. “I never go out of style is all I’ll say,” she remarked enthusiastically.
As she prepared for her second Golden Globes hosting gig, Glaser dedicated significant effort to refining her material, rehearsing her monologue extensively to achieve the right tone. “We’ve run through this thing 93 times, and this will be my 94th. It’s always evolving,” she shared, highlighting her commitment to delivering a flawless performance.