At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, comedian Nikki Glaser's opening monologue was a spectacle of audacious humor, leaving no celebrity untouched. Her razor-sharp jokes targeted an array of stars, both seasoned and emerging, nominees and attendees. The spotlight of her comedic commentary, however, shone brightest on the cast of Paul Thomas Anderson's critically acclaimed film, 'One Battle After Another'.
Golden Globes Host Delivers Blistering Roasts to DiCaprio and Penn
In a memorable moment at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the comedic force Nikki Glaser fearlessly addressed Hollywood's elite during the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. Her sharp wit cut through the room, eliciting a mixture of uproarious laughter and astonished gasps from the star-studded audience. Among her prime targets was the distinguished actor Leonardo DiCaprio, aged 51, whose well-documented romantic preferences became the subject of a particularly biting jest. Glaser quipped about DiCaprio’s impressive career, spanning iconic performances, collaborations with renowned directors, three Golden Globes, and an Oscar, only to deliver the punchline: “And the most impressive thing is you were able to accomplish all that before your girlfriend turned 30.” The camera captured DiCaprio's nervous smile, acknowledging the truth behind the humor. This playful dig underscored his consistent pattern of relationships with women under 30, a topic that has garnered him considerable notoriety over the years. The actor is currently in a relationship with 27-year-old model Vittoria Ceretti, following a history of ending relationships when his partners reached their mid-twenties.
Glaser's comedic aim extended beyond DiCaprio. She also playfully skewered actor Sean Penn, referring to him by his character's name, 'Colonel Lockjaw,' from 'One Battle After Another.' She humorously commented on Penn's unique approach to aging in Hollywood: “Everyone in this town is obsessed with looking younger. Meanwhile, Sean is like, ‘What if I slowly morph into a sexy leather handbag?’ And I mean, that’s hot!” Penn, a nominee for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film, ultimately saw the award go to Stellan Skarsgård for 'Sentimental Value'.
Nikki Glaser’s performance at the Golden Globes offered a refreshing and bold perspective on the often-reverent world of Hollywood awards ceremonies. Her willingness to tackle sensitive topics with humor serves as a reminder that comedy can be a powerful tool for observation and lighthearted critique, even of the most celebrated figures. Her monologue ignited discussions not just about the targets of her jokes, but also about the nature of celebrity and public perception. It highlighted the entertainment industry's ongoing fascination with youth and appearance, prompting both laughter and a subtle reflection on cultural norms. Glaser's approach, balancing audacious humor with a touch of self-awareness, ultimately contributed to a memorable and thought-provoking evening, proving that even in the glitziest of events, a good laugh can be the most impactful takeaway.