Review: As Golden Globes host, Nikki Glaser delivered a good time at Hollywood’s party night
Although the world seems to be disintegrating, we’ve managed to make it to 2025, even amidst another round of awards ceremonies. Leading the pack is the Golden Globes, a show that has stubbornly embedded itself into our culture, standing almost side by side with the Oscars and the Emmys. In truth, it’s hard to tell them apart – they are all lengthy network broadcasts filled with A-list stars in outfits worn just once, celebrating Hollywood, a celebration that can never be excessive.
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.
Awards
On Sunday, we’ll find out who takes home the awards at the 82nd Golden Globes. Stay tuned for real-time updates to see who emerges victorious.
When examining the Golden Globes from a television perspective, there are essentially two captivating aspects, considering the omission of live performances, tributes to the industry, and humorous skits for more award presentations within a three-hour span. The first intrigue lies in the unexpectedly emotional, funny, or awkward moments displayed by winners or presenters. It’s almost as if the Golden Globes thrives on these situations that could be perceived as embarrassing. While it positions itself as a party, the fun aspect might be more of an ideal than a reality. To truly immerse myself in the supposed atmosphere of the event, I should have indulged in some drinks while writing this.
Nikki Glaser became the first woman to host the Golden Globes on her own, following Tina Fey and Amy Pohler who previously co-hosted. This signifies the transition of hosting duties from one generation to another, not just in awards shows but also in comedy. Although Nikki is a well-known comedian, podcaster, reality TV host, and actor, her fame doesn’t quite match that of Tina, Amy, Billy Crystal, or Jimmy Kimmel. The Golden Globes night for her was much like any other night at a comedy club, performing in front of an unfamiliar audience, urging them to laugh. Interestingly, she had an advantage over last year’s host, Jo Koy, whose sudden and unfortunate casting caused some controversy at the Globes, giving Nikki more time to prepare her material. So, while things might have gone badly for someone else in a similar situation, they could hardly have been worse for Nikki.
She performed exceptionally well without any hiccups; it could even be said that she excelled. Her humor was spot-on, her timing impeccable, clearly enjoying every moment of it. Glaser’s stand-up comedy can be quite somber, with her latest Golden Globe-nominated special titled “Someday You’ll Die.” She gained fame through celebrity roasts. However, she managed to be subtly critical yet generally harmless, maintaining a distance from the community she doesn’t exactly belong to. She took gentle jabs at individuals (“You have the most stunning upper lip eyelashes,” to Timothée Chalamet; a pot joke directed at Harrison Ford, which didn’t seem to amuse him; to Zendaya, “Your performance in ‘Dune’ was incredible, oh my God. I stayed awake for all of your scenes!”) and aimed her criticism a bit more at the industry as a whole, introducing the show as “Ozempic’s grandest night.
Awards
Journalists Glenn Whipp and Meredith Blake share highlights, notable victories, and unexpected twists from the 2025 Golden Globe Awards as they unfold in real-time.
1. “She expressed her excitement about hosting tonight, saying, ‘I couldn’t be more delighted!’ She felt like she had truly arrived, standing among producers at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and joked, ‘It’s a miracle I’m fully dressed for the occasion.'”
2. “Regarding her role as your host tonight, she exclaimed with joy, ‘I couldn’t be happier!’ She felt like she had finally reached her goal, surrounded by producers at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and joked about it by saying, ‘It’s a small miracle that I have all my clothes on.'”
3. “She expressed her enthusiasm for being your host tonight, saying, ‘I’m absolutely thrilled!’ She felt like she had finally achieved something significant, standing among producers at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and joked about it by saying, ‘It’s a small miracle that I have all my clothes on.'”
4. “She happily announced her role as your host tonight, stating, ‘I couldn’t be more pleased!’ She felt like she had finally arrived, surrounded by producers at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and joked about it by saying, ‘It’s a small miracle I’m fully dressed for the occasion.'”
5. “She excitedly declared that she was your host tonight, saying, ‘I couldn’t be happier!’ She felt like she had finally made it, surrounded by producers at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and joked about it by saying, ‘It’s a small miracle I have all my clothes on.'”
As for the second part of your quote:
6. “She clarified that tonight she wasn’t there to criticize or make fun of you — ‘I couldn’t do that, you’re all so influential!’ She explained that you had the power to accomplish anything, except telling the country who to vote for. She reassured you by saying, ‘It’s alright, you’ll do it next time.'”
7. “She made it clear that she wasn’t there tonight to mock or roast you — ‘I couldn’t do that, you’re all so powerful!’ She acknowledged your ability to accomplish anything, except telling the country who to vote for. She encouraged you by saying, ‘It’s okay, you’ll do it next time.'”
8. “She assured you that she wasn’t there tonight to tease or make fun of you — ‘I couldn’t do that, you’re all so influential!’ She recognized your ability to achieve anything, except telling the country who to vote for. She gave you a nudge by saying, ‘It’s alright, you’ll do it next time.'”
9. “She confirmed that she wasn’t there tonight to ridicule or belittle you — ‘I couldn’t do that, you’re all so powerful!’ She acknowledged your ability to accomplish anything, except telling the country who to vote for. She supported you by saying, ‘It’s okay, you’ll do it next time.'”
10. “She made it clear that she wasn’t there tonight to make jokes or mock you — ‘I couldn’t do that, you’re all so influential!’ She recognized your ability to achieve anything, except telling the country who to vote for. She encouraged you by saying, ‘It’s alright, you’ll do it next time.'”
Last year’s production appeared to be geared towards promoting the party concept, albeit in a less refined and efficient manner. Several hosts were filmed with the audience, seated at tables as usual, which did not sit well with Seth Rogen (“I’d like to begin by saying this entire angled camera setup is quite peculiar. It’s awkward, it’s odd, and it seems everyone can see my bald spot; I would have touched that up.”). Announcer Kevin Frazier, who didn’t miss an opportunity to emphasize that this was the biggest Hollywood party — in contrast to the Oscars and Emmys, tied to their dull academies — joined in with trivia about presenters and winners, much like a DJ at a wedding trying to engage the crowd.
During the show, there were numerous instances of missed cues, long pauses, and jokes that seemed to have been intentionally suppressed, giving off an impression of carelessness – yet relaxed. However, this lackluster performance didn’t significantly affect the overall interest, as awards shows tend to be less captivating when they become overly reverent. Not every segment was devoid of seriousness; it seemed the producers decided to take a lighter approach with certain categories, and the humor was always welcome. Particularly amusing were the acts by Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara, who joked about their fictional Canadian careers and awards (Golden Antlers, Gilded Gretzkes, and the adult film award, the Beavers), as well as Awkwafina and Melissa McCarthy in a humorous introduction of nominated television comedies. Nate Bargatze and Jennifer Connelly were as entertaining as any fan of theirs would expect.
As a movie aficionado, I found myself moved by the heartfelt speeches, tears, and calls for solidarity between the industry heavyweights and underdogs. The event was a delightful tapestry of languages and accents that added to its global charm. Demi Moore, the victor in the category of female actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for her first-ever win as an actress. She shared how the role in “The Substance” came at a time when she thought her acting career was drawing to a close. Tadanobu Asano, triumphant in the male actor in a supporting role on television category, radiated pure Japanese charm and humility. He exclaimed his delight at winning, expressing gratitude towards everyone involved. However, it was Kieran Culkin who embodied the spirit of classic Golden Globe antics. He admitted to having shared a shot of tequila with Mario Lopez prior to his speech, joking that the entire address had flown out the window as a result.
It’s undeniable that three hours (and beyond) is quite a stretch to remain engaged during an awards show. Regardless, it seems impossible to speed things up, but Glaser, who frequently returned to the stage, managed to create the illusion, amidst the less engaging moments, that the event was moving swiftly. It certainly feels like congratulatory messages are flooding in now.
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2025-01-06 10:32