“I am a huge fan of these people,” she shared. “It’s easy for me to take down the newer batch of actresses and actors who are younger than me. It's like, ‘OK, I can make fun of you. I'm like a veteran.’ But when it's people that I grew up admiring, it's a different approach this year.”
“You have to be very delicate about making jokes that aren't going to ruin anyone's night,” she continued. “But you also want to give the people at home something to laugh at, and you want to poke fun at the people that they're dying for you to make fun of. People at home want you to make fun of the A-listers.”
When it comes to the more brutal jokes in her monologue, Nikki sometimes tries running it by the recipient ahead of time. In fact, she texted Selena Gomez’s now-husband Benny Blanco last year for approval on her quip about him being with the Only Murders in the Building actress “because of the genie who granted him that wish.”
This year, though, she’s leaning away from that approach.
“I don't even know if Leo has a phone,” Nikki joked. “There's certain people that I don't even know what I would say. Some of these jokes you think about, ‘OK, if I got their number, would I write them and ask them?’ And then I go, ‘You know what, they might say no, and I know the joke isn't that mean.’”
As she put it, “I would rather ask for certain forgiveness later at the afterparty when they're drunk.”
Ahead of this year’s Golden Globes, read on to look back at Nikki’s most unforgettable hosting moments from 2025.
While there's no official trophy for opening monologue, Nikki Glaser won over many viewers with her routine at the start of the 2025 Golden Globes.
"Good evening and welcome to the 82nd Golden Globes," she began after taking the stage at the Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 5, "Ozempic’s biggest night."
Over the next 10 minutes, Nikki made jokes about several stars—including Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. She also referenced several headline-making moments in pop culture, including Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement and the meme of Ariana Grande holding Cynthia Erivo's finger during the Wicked press tour.
Plus, the comedian had a few NSFW zingers, including that one about Ben Affleck and another about Glen Powell.
"Glen, you were in everything: Twisters, Hit Man, my head when I'm having sex with my boyfriend," she said. "Thank you so much for the assist. I'll see ya tonight."
Another hilarious part of Nikki's opening act was when she playfully teased Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated in the Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama category for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown and brought Kylie Jenner as his date.
"Timothée, you’re just so great at playing these beloved eccentrics—Dylan, Willy Wonka. Who’s next? Adam Sandler?" she said. "Please! Actually, your name sounds like something Adam Sandler would say."
And after asking, "Sandler, can I get a 'Chalamet?'" the Happy Gilmore star obliged and said the name in his iconic voice.
But the funny moments didn't end there. Nikki continued to bring the laughs throughout the night—like when she made a lighthearted jab at how many celebrities turn to plastic surgery.
"I just want to say you all look so amazing tonight," the comic told the audience. "You really brought it. And I love where you put your cheekbones. I don't judge. I'm doing it too now. Yeah, I also recently started 'drinking more water.' 'Meditating?' Oh, doing lots of that. I love how meditating removes your eyelids. It's really convenient."
And who could forget about her musical number?
"There were so many great movies this year—from Wicked to Conclave," Nikki told the crowd. "Wait, that just gave me an idea."
Wearing a pink dress Glinda surely would love, she grabbed a Wicked wand and put on a mitre as a nod to Conclave's story about electing a new pope. Then, she sang her own rendition of Wicked's "Popular" that she called "Pope-ular."
However, the skit was short-lived as Nikki pretended to get a message from a showrunner telling her to cut the bit.
"So much has already happened in the first half, and the acceptance speeches have been on fire," she shared. "Who got shouted-out the most? Let’s look at the numbers."
Then, Nikki turned to a scoreboard that showed the results of who received the most mentions during the speeches.
"Cast and crew are leading the way with 11 mentions," the 40-year-old noted. "Moms are holding strong with three shout-outs. God—creator of the universe—zero mentions. And Mario Lopez, host of Access Hollywood, one."
Not only did Nikki rock the mic, but she also turned the Golden Globes stage into her runway—making at least 10 different outfit changes from the red carpet to the end of the show.
Of course, Nikki wanted to celebrate her big night with her nearest and dearest. So she walked the red carpet with her parents and sister for a family night out.
And after all the celebrations, Nikki gave a special shout-out to her mother (add it to the scoreboard!) noting that Julie Glaser deserves the "best mom award."
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