Comedian Nikki Glaser delivered a sharp, politically charged opening monologue at the Golden Globes, targeting Hollywood celebrities and their perceived influence. While professing admiration for their fame and talent, Glaser quipped that their power seemed limited in one crucial area: “You could really do anything… I mean, except tell the country who to vote for,” she declared, a thinly veiled jab at celebrities’ frequent endorsements of political candidates.
Glaser’s humor wasn’t confined to political commentary. She also directed her wit towards specific figures, including Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose past legal troubles provided fodder for a joke about the anticipated Golden Globes after-party: “That movie [‘Challengers’] was more sexually charged than Diddy’s credit card. I’m upset too. The after-party’s not going to be as good this year.” The comedian also playfully mocked NBC’s Peacock streaming service, suggesting its low profile was akin to the elusive assassin in the series “The Day of the Jackal,” starring Eddie Redmayne.
Glaser’s roasting extended to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, whose successful tequila brand served as the punchline for a concluding observation on the priorities of Hollywood stars: “Remember: the point of being nominated isn’t to win an award. No, the point of being nominated is to make a tequila brand so popular that you never have to make art again.” The seemingly contradictory statement highlighted the perceived shift in priorities for some celebrities, prioritizing lucrative business ventures over artistic pursuits. Her performance showcased a blend of observational humor and pointed satire, generating laughs while prompting reflection on celebrity culture and political engagement.