Nikki Glaser Returns to Golden Globes: Balancing Bold Humor With Delicate A-Listers
Nikki Glaser, the 41-year-old comedian who broke barriers last year as the first solo female host of the Golden Globe Awards, is back for her second consecutive stint at the helm this Sunday. After receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews for her 2025 debut, the stakes have never been higher—and Glaser knows it. The challenge is no longer just making audiences laugh; it’s threading the needle between daring comedy and delicate diplomacy in a room filled with Hollywood’s elite.
In a recent appearance on CBS Mornings, Glaser gave audiences a glimpse into her preparation for the 2026 ceremony. Testing jokes at stand-up gigs across Los Angeles, she revealed there’s at least one A-lister she simply won’t roast: Julia Roberts. “You cannot make fun of America’s sweetheart,” Glaser said, acknowledging the delicate balance required. Even when audiences reacted poorly to her Roberts material during practice, she persisted in refining it for precision. “Whatever I end up saying about her, that is the most fine-tuned joke that I’ve worked on so hard, because it is very delicate,” she explained.
Glaser’s approach is strategic. Hosting the Globes is, as she described it, a “covert mission”—satisfying viewers at home while not derailing the evening for the stars in attendance. The goal is subtle: give audiences the jokes they crave without souring the room’s atmosphere. “People at home want you to make fun of the A-listers… They want you to make them feel a little uncomfortable,” she said, “so it’s covert in the sense that I want to get away with those jokes without just ruining the vibe in the room.”
Unlike her fearless performances at celebrity roasts—including high-profile events for Tom Brady, Rob Lowe, and Bruce Willis—Glaser saves her sharpest jabs for the roast stage. At the Globes, she tempers her approach, respecting the stature of Hollywood’s legends while still delivering humor that lands. “I’m a huge fan of these people,” she admitted. “It’s easy for me to take down the newer batch of actresses and actors who are younger than me, but this year we have so many huge A-listers that I grew up admiring.”
Preparation is exhaustive. Glaser watches as much content as she can—from films to TV shows—though she admits there’s only so much one person can consume in the era of fragmented media. Yet her journalistic-like research ensures she hits topics everyone knows, from Kevin Hart’s DraftKings appearances to pop culture moments with Timothée Chalamet. In essence, she’s curating comedy for a fractured audience, seeking the common thread that resonates universally.
Even in the final stages, Glaser consults seasoned veterans for guidance. Judd Apatow and Steve Martin provided last-minute feedback on jokes, advising her when material might cross the line. The goal isn’t just to entertain—it’s to maintain credibility and respect, blending boldness with tact. “There are certain jokes you think, ‘If I got their number, would I ask?’ And then I go, ‘You know what, they might say no,’” she explained, highlighting the delicate social dynamics of celebrity comedy.
Despite the pressures, Glaser exudes gratitude. Her first hosting gig was universally praised, a rare feat that simultaneously inspires and intimidates her. “It scares me because that was kind of lightning in a bottle,” she confessed. Yet she channels that energy into precision, spontaneity, and fun, ensuring the 2026 Golden Globes will once again be memorable.
From playful interactions with stars like Adam Sandler and Kevin Hart to crafting meticulously honed monologues, Glaser is approaching this year’s show with a blend of strategy, creativity, and respect. The result promises to be a performance that entertains at home, honors the attendees in the room, and continues her trailblazing mark on Hollywood’s awards landscape.
The 2026 Golden Globes air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 8–11 p.m. ET.
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