Nikki Glaser took center stage as host of the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, marking the event with her unique blend of humor and charm. With the ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton on January 5, all eyes were on Glaser, who made history as the first woman to host the Globes solo.
From the moment she opened with her greeting of "Ozempic's biggest night," Glaser displayed her signature self-deprecatory style, balancing playful jabs at Hollywood's elite with genuine admiration for her peers. Known for her razor-sharp humor and fearless approach, she kicked off her monologue by referencing Nicole Kidman's prolific career: "Thank you so much for all of your hard work. And thank you to Keith Urban for playing guitar around the house so much she wants to leave and make 18 movies a year."
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya also found themselves on the receiving end of Glaser's humor. She remarked to Chalamet, "You have the most gorgeous eyelashes on your upper lip,” and playfully expressed her appreciation for Zendaya’s performance in Dune, saying, "Oh my God, I woke up for all your scenes!" These light-hearted quips elicited laughter from the audience, setting the tone for the evening.
Glaser also managed to touch on the pressures of the entertainment industry with humor, quipping about the prevalence of celebrity tequila brands. "If you do lose tonight, please just keep in mind the point of making art is not to win; it’s the start of tequila brand so popular you never have to make art again." This commentary cleverly reflected the absurdity of the industry's current trends.
Despite her reputation for sharp insult comedy, Glaser demonstrated restraint, assuring nominees, "I am not here to roast you tonight." This self-awareness highlights her role as part entertainer and part moderator, coolly bridging the gap between Hollywood's glamorous facade and the audience's expectations.
But not every quip landed smoothly. One of her jokes referencing rapper Diddy drew criticism from viewers. Following the controversy surrounding Diddy’s criminal charges, Glaser made the offhand remark, "Challengers was more sexually charged than Diddy’s credit card." While some audience members groaned at this reference, reflecting divided responses to edgy humor, others praised her ability to maintain the spirit of the night.
This year's ceremony was not only marked by Glaser's wit but also reflected on the state of the Golden Globes themselves. Following the previous year’s host Jo Koy, who received less than favorable reviews, Glaser's preparation paid off significantly. She had rehearsed extensively, testing her jokes across various live venues beforehand, and her effort showed. "I think this is just such a good look," Glaser teased, embodying her fearlessness with comments about her material.
Throughout her performance, Glaser retained the audience's engagement with spirited deliveries and impactful content, evidently enjoying herself on stage. Her infectious enthusiasm contributed positively to the evening's ambiance. "Nikki Glaser did a great job with her monologue," praised one viewer on social media.
The interplay of political humor was carefully handled, as Glaser noted, "You could really do anything—except tell the country who to vote for," cleverly threading humor through current cultural anxieties without crossing lines.
Glaser’s cultural presence at the event highlighted the role of female comedians at award shows. "Some of my favorite jokes of all time have come from past Golden Globes opening monologues by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler," she remarked, indicating her aspiration to continue this time-honored legacy.
By the end of the night, Nikki Glaser had not only entertained but carved out her place as one of Hollywood's newest household names. The evening, filled with both laughter and moments of reflection, echoed the dual nature of the Golden Globes—a celebration of artistry amid its peculiarities. Her successful hosting suggests promising future pathways for comedic voices within major awards circuits.