Review: As Golden Globes host, Nikki Glaser delivered a good time at Hollywood’s party night

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that the Golden Globe Awards, which recently took place on CBS and Paramount+ from the Beverly Hilton, has a unique history – some might even say it’s got a bit of a chequered past and present. You see, what makes it stand out is not just its storied history but also the fact that its current owners, who acquired the brand following the disbandment of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, also run major film trade magazines and a production company with films contending for awards. This arrangement might strike some as an old-fashioned ‘conflict of interest,’ although they prefer to call it ‘vertical integration’ these days.

However, this potential issue seems to have slipped from public scrutiny and discussion. It didn’t seem to matter much to those who tuned in to watch, or to the winners sent home with an award, or even to the broader industry that benefits financially from its existence. The idea of a possible conflict has become somewhat hazy in the collective consciousness.

Golden Globes Host Nikki Glaser Understood the Assignment

In the past, the Golden Globes have often chosen comedians who are not afraid to challenge boundaries as their hosts, with some results being praised (as with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s skewering of gender norms in Hollywood) and others being criticized (such as Ricky Gervais’ complaints about the show he was hosting). Glaser, who is the first solo female host for the Golden Globes, fits this pattern well. She has been a prominent figure in entertainment for over a decade, combining stand-up with roles in films like “Trainwreck” and television shows such as “FBoy Island,” which she hosts. However, 2024 was her most significant year yet. Known for her razor-sharp wit, her hilarious set at the live Netflix event “The Roast of Tom Brady,” which went viral in May, was a particular highlight. (Her joke about Brady’s delayed retirement: “It’s hard to walk away from something that’s not your pregnant girlfriend.”) Not long after, HBO released her latest special, “Someday You’ll Die,” which was nominated for a Golden Globe on Sunday (with Ali Wong taking the award). The wickedly funny performance showcases Glaser’s knack for tackling taboo subjects, from joking about wishing a pregnant friend would miscarry to discussing gangbang porn as a symbol for life.