Hosting a major Hollywood awards show is often likened to a delicate balancing act, where the host must juggle entertaining those in the room and captivating an audience watching from home. This year, comedian Nikki Glaser is stepping into that spotlight as the host of the Golden Globe Awards scheduled for Sunday. Glaser has some prior experience navigating similar waters, notably with her noteworthy performance at a roast for NFL star Tom Brady last spring, which is credited with garnering her attention from the producers of the Globes.
Reflecting on her rising recognition, Glaser acknowledged her career shifted significantly post-roast. “It felt like an Olympic gymnastics balance beam routine,” she articulated in an interview with CNN, highlighting the pressure of such performances. She described how, unlike in past experiences, she managed to maintain composure and deliver a seamless act, which has set the stage for her upcoming hosting duties.
As Glaser prepares to helm the Golden Globes, she is keenly aware of the expectations surrounding her role. While nominees are not there to be roasted, she is ready to infuse her brand of humor to lighten the atmosphere for both the attendees at the Beverly Hilton ballroom and the television audience. Grinningly, she remarked, “I understand the assignment that I’ve been given,” signifying her commitment to leaning into the comedic aspects expected of her.
In preparation, Glaser turned to advice from former Globe hosts, including powerhouses Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler. Amid discussions about her performance, she hinted at the potential for a few bleeped moments during her monologue, a reminder that she will be pulling from her comedic experience while respecting the awards show’s parameters.
During the interview, Glaser recounted the moment she received the call about hosting the Golden Globes. Both her agent and manager reached out simultaneously, signaling that it was good news — a pleasant surprise in the unpredictable world of showbiz. She humorously shared her initial plans for a cosmetic procedure, which they quickly tabled in light of her new responsibilities.
The historic significance of Glaser being the first solo female host of the Golden Globes did not escape her attention. She noted that while this milestone is noteworthy, she felt that previous hosts like Tina and Amy could have similarly performed alone if they chose to. Nonetheless, she expressed a sense of accomplishment, considering the historical backdrop while maintaining a grounded perspective.
When discussing the nature of the Golden Globes, Glaser acknowledged elements of roast comedy might make an appearance but clarified that it would not be in the traditional roast format. She articulated understanding the distinction between event attendees who sign up for a roast versus those who are there to celebrate—highlighting the unique balance she intends to maintain.
It’s a careful tightrope walk for Glaser, balancing her edgy comedic style with the expectations of the event. She expressed concern about delivering jokes that might not land with the celebrity crowd, urging them to perceive the evening as an opportunity for light-heartedness rather than a potentially mocking scenario.
Despite her jitters about addressing an A-list audience, including icons like Angelina Jolie, she reflected on the humanity shared among all people, including celebrities. Glaser noted the importance of fostering a relatable environment where even the famous can share a laugh and not take themselves too seriously.
Her conversations with seasoned hosts, particularly Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey, have helped ground her approach to the event. They shared key tips on navigating the announcer’s role without losing focus or getting too stressed about an animated crowd.
While aware of her raunchy comedy reputation, Glaser reassured viewers that her Golden Globes performance would remain family-friendly, with some cheekiness sprinkled in. The challenge lies in ensuring the jokes resonate positively without jeopardizing her relationships within the industry.
In the ever-connected world of social media, Glaser has chosen to abstain from reading comments about her performances since 2018, likening it to her decision to avoid alcohol—recognizing her struggle with negative feedback. This decision has liberated her creativity and allowed her to express herself authentically without the constant worry of judgment from online audiences.
Overall, Nikki Glaser’s upcoming endeavor as the Golden Globes host reflects her evolution as a performer while tackling the unique challenges of such a high-profile role. Emphasizing humor, relatability, and maintaining a fresh perspective, she prepares to create memorable moments for attendees and viewers alike during what promises to be an eventful night.
