During her hosting of the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11 in Los Angeles, comedian Nikki Glaser made a conscious decision to cut certain jokes from her monologue, including those targeting Brad Pitt, who neither attended the ceremony nor received a nomination that year. While the event featured sharp jabs at several celebrities, Glaser deliberately left Pitt out of the roast, highlighting the tension in balancing humor with respect at such high-profile award shows.
Jokes Removed from the Broadcast Centered on Brad Pitt
Nikki Glaser addressed her decision to cut jokes about Brad Pitt during her January 13 appearance on Sirius XM’s The Howard Stern Show. She initially prepared remarks poking fun at Pitt’s film role in F1 and Hollywood‘s ageism for men and women. Glaser quipped,
“Brad Pitt is nominated for his role in F1 tonight,”
before criticizing the limited roles available for women over 35 compared to men’s roles after turning 60.
She further teased Pitt’s performance in the movie, saying,
“And Brad, you were so good enough when I was almost convinced that you’ve driven yourself somewhere in the last 30 years,”
adding humor about the actor’s driving scenes,
“But Brad did a lot of his own driving in the movie. And Brad, I don’t want to embarrass you, but your blinker was on the whole time there.”
Despite preparing these cuts, the remarks about Pitt ultimately did not air during the Golden Globes, reflecting Glaser’s recognition of the delicate balance required when roasting major Hollywood figures, especially those absent from the ceremony.
Other Cut Jokes and Audience Sensitivities
Glaser also pulled back on jokes targeting other celebrities, including a quip about Chase Infiniti, star of One Battle After Another. She humorously pointed out,
“This is true, if you apply now, you can earn 5 percent cash back on all travel bookings through her through the end of the year,”
followed by a playful, “So get on that.”
She crafted a more risqué joke linking Cinco Infiniti Payne’s real name to Sean Penn, stating,
“Chase Infiniti Payne is actually her real name. Chase Infiniti Payne, which is also how Sean Penn gets an erection.”
On the television side of the ceremony, Glaser prepared a jab involving Jean Smart, winner of Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy. She said,
“Some people have stage names like Hacks star Jean Smart, whose real name is Corduroy Dumbass.”
However, the comedian found it particularly challenging to craft jokes about Julia Roberts, discovering through comedy club tryouts that any humor about the famed “America’s Sweetheart” was met with resistance. Glaser explained to Gayle King on CBS Mornings on January 6,
“Any joke about Julia Roberts, they are not there for.”
She added,
“You cannot make fun of America’s Sweetheart. So, whatever I end up saying about her, that is the most fine-tuned joke that I’ve worked on so hard, because it is very delicate.”
Glaser also remarked on the audience’s unpredictable reactions, stating,
“They were booing, and I was like, ‘Is she here?’ It’s insane.”
Glaser emphasized the fine line she walked between humor and maintaining a respectful atmosphere, especially regarding the celebrities in attendance.
“You have to be very delicate about making jokes that aren’t going to ruin anyone’s night,”
she said,
“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.”
Highlights from the 2026 Golden Globes Celebrities and Moments
The Golden Globes ceremony was filled with notable appearances and surprising wins from a wide array of stars. Leonardo DiCaprio and Owen Cooper, widely celebrated for their roles in the industry, continued to captivate audiences, with DiCaprio’s elusive presence being a favored target among attendees and viewers alike.
In the category of Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Teyana Taylor edged out Ariana Grande with her powerful role in One Battle After Another. This highlighted a shift among some voters toward performances that combined intensity and depth.
Kylie Jenner shared the event with Timothée Chalamet, who marked his first win at the Golden Globes for Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical, thanks to his portrayal in Marty Supreme. Their continued presence at the annual gathering reinforced their rising status in Hollywood’s elite circles.
Jacob Elordi, despite not securing a win, found a lighthearted moment with co-star Ana de Armas from their film Deep Water, showcasing camaraderie amid the competitive atmosphere.
Julia Roberts and George Clooney remained a striking duo on the red carpet, admired as Hollywood royalty, even as the event highlighted their separate personal lives. Their presence served as a reminder of enduring star power amid the evolving entertainment landscape.
In an impressive assembly of talent, Miles Caton, Kevin Hart, Seth Rogen, and Michael B. Jordan represented the heavyweight studio presence, illuminating the night with their combined popularity and influence.
Orlando Bloom commanded attention, seemingly embodying the “Coolest Guy in the Room” as many noted his effortless charm and magnetism during the event.
A charming moment between Leonardo DiCaprio and Julia Roberts was captured during her presentation of the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy to One Battle After Another, suggesting an insider connection recognized only by those well-versed in Hollywood circles.
Marlon Wayans shared meaningful time with voice talents from the K-pop hit Demon Hunters, reflecting the increasing prominence of cross-cultural collaborations in the film and television industry.
Kristen Bell appeared enthusiastic about upcoming opportunities, responding to director Jon M. Chu with a playful promise:
“Yes, yes I will star in your next musical.”
At one table, Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Martin Short, and Steve Martin created a scene of friendship and celebration, emphasizing the close-knit connections between co-stars from the hit series Only Murders in the Building.
A warm reunion unfolded between Patrick Schwarzenegger and Parker Posey, contrasting the often tense tone of award shows with moments of genuine camaraderie.
Jennifer Lawrence and Kylie Jenner shared a snapshot of mutual support, embodying how personal moments often enrich the glitz of the ceremony, especially when waiting for award announcements or during quiet interludes.
Director and star Eva Victor expressed admiration for actress Jessie Buckley prior to Buckley’s Best Actress win for Hamnet, highlighting the personal triumphs recognized at the Globes.
Veteran actor Noah Wyle, recently honored with a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series, acknowledged the unexpected fortune and gratitude he feels compared to his co-star George Clooney from The Pitt.
Teyana Taylor openly displayed raw emotion after her surprise victory, underscoring the unpredictable nature of award outcomes and the personal significance of such recognition.
Justin Hartley and Sterling K. Brown shared mutual support, with Hartley closely following Brown’s recovery journey months after the latter’s Emmy appearance with a leg injury.
Finally, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Lopez illustrated the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill that often colors the Golden Globes, offering a contrast to the competitive intensity of the night.
The Greater Impact of Nikki Glaser’s Hosting Approach
Nikki Glaser’s tenure as the 2026 Golden Globes host showcased the complex challenges faced by comedians tasked with balancing sharp satire and respect for an elite celebrity audience. Her decision to withhold jokes aimed at Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts demonstrated an acute awareness of the limits of humor, especially when dealing with beloved figures or those absent from the event. Glaser’s careful navigation of this landscape illustrated the tension between delivering entertaining content and preserving the dignity of the night’s attendees.
This dynamic raised questions about how future awards shows might invite more transparent, fearless comedic critique without alienating the audience or momentarily overshadowing the achievements being celebrated. As the Golden Globes evolves, hosts may continue to weigh the balance between controversial humor and respectful celebration amid a more socially conscious and media-savvy public.
