LOS ANGELES – As the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony draws near, comedian Nikki Glaser is intensely refining her opening monologue, with a particular hurdle being the creation of a joke about Julia Roberts, who is nominated for best actress in a drama for "After the Hunt." Glaser, who returns as host for the Sunday event broadcast by CBS at the Beverly Hilton, described Roberts as "the toughest nut to crack," expressing a determined attitude about delivering a humorous line about the actress despite apparent audience sensitivity.
Glaser's hosting role, secured last year after her sharply witty celebrity roasts that received wide acclaim, including praise for the previous year's monologue, involves walking a fine line between incisive humor and respect. While she approached the Globes’ stage last year with a blend of pointed yet measured commentary, this year’s monologue remains dynamic until the moment she steps on stage, continually evolving as she tests material.
In an interview, Glaser noted that while Roberts herself is likely to handle any jokes well, audiences have shown a lack of humor on her behalf. She recounted experiencing booing and jeering in response to even mildly playful remarks about Roberts during test performances, underscoring the challenge of crafting effective humor targeting the star.
Outside the Roberts-related material, Glaser feels confident about her content regarding other major nominees, particularly male actors competing in the densely star-studded best actor categories. She highlighted her anticipation of re-engaging with Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated the previous year for portraying Bob Dylan and this year for "Marty Supreme." During last year's show, she joked about his mustache by quipping, "You have the most gorgeous eyelashes—on your upper lip." Chalamet, she remarked, is adept at handling jokes.
Glaser also expressed enthusiasm about forthcoming interactions with George Clooney, nominated for his role in "Jay Kelly," expecting a positive and sporting response. Michael B. Jordan, a nominee for "Sinners," is another focal point for her comedic material. Regarding Leonardo DiCaprio, the standout for "One Battle After Another," she anticipates including him in her jokes, referencing his character's icy fate with the teasing line, "The icebergs are coming. Watch out."
Her preparation extends beyond scripted writing, as Glaser spends considerable time testing material live at various comedy clubs throughout Southern California. These sessions serve as critical feedback loops, informing her about which jokes resonate and which fall flat. She shared an example of a discarded joke involving the wordplay "Pluribly not," related to the film "Pluribus," which, despite experimentation, failed to fit smoothly into the monologue and was consequently scrapped.
Recognizing the unique setting of the Globes, where the humor directly targets attendees, Glaser involves her comedy audiences in role-play exercises to simulate the star-studded crowd. During routines at clubs, she asks patrons to act as celebrities—sometimes even asking, "Will you play Julia Roberts for me?"—to gauge reactions and refine delivery. She acknowledges this rehearsal approach is unusual but vital for calibrating her roast-style performance.
Glaser also remains cautious about addressing major contemporary events that could overshadow the show. She referenced Venezuela as a topic she anticipated including due to its prominence in recent news, yet found uncertainty over its relevance among the ceremony’s audience. "Half the room had no clue why I was saying ‘Venezuela,’" she said, highlighting the disconnect between public awareness and current affairs. Such unpredictability complicates the inclusion of topical humor.
Reflecting on the previous year’s challenge of integrating a joke about the musical "Wicked," Glaser described the lengthy process of developing a punchline that balanced affection with humor without crossing into meanness. The resulting line, "My boyfriend loved it, my boyfriend’s boyfriend loved it," was well received and considered a successful blend of wit and respect.
Continuing to adapt her material and approach until showtime, Glaser's process exemplifies the complexities of hosting a prominent awards ceremony where the audience comprises the very subjects of her humor. Her efforts highlight the delicate interplay between entertainment, satire, and audience sensibilities in one of Hollywood's most anticipated annual events.