As the 2026 Golden Globes approach, excitement is mounting behind the scenes, especially for host Nikki Glaser. Known for her sharp wit and fearless celebrity roasting, Glaser is preparing her monologue and eagerly tackling the challenge of making her jokes land—particularly concerning the notoriously elusive Julia Roberts. With less than a week until the live broadcast from the Beverly Hilton, Glaser is trying to balance her comedic edge with the sensitivities of a star-studded audience. Her preparations involve extensive rehearsals at comedy clubs and strategizing on how to navigate current events, celebrity nuances, and the unpredictable reactions from her audience, all while aiming for a memorable and hilarious hosting debut on CBS.
Expectations and Challenges for Nikki Glaser as Host
The Roasting Queen’s Approach
Nikki Glaser’s reputation as a comedian revolves around her razor-sharp roasting skills, which earned her the hosting gig last year. Her ability to craft biting yet clever jokes about celebrities proved she could entertain and push boundaries without going overboard. Her monologues in previous years received critical praise, thanks in part to her mix of humor and tact. Yet, this year, Glaser faces the unique challenge of cracking the elusive Julia Roberts joke—an endeavor proving trickier than anticipated.
Roberts, nominated for best actress in a drama for her role in “After the Hunt,” remains a tough subject for jokes. Glaser admitted that Roberts is “the toughest nut to crack,” humorously adding, “She’s been the most difficult. But I’m going to crack it.” In her quest to find the perfect joke, she noted how audiences have been unexpectedly sensitive, especially concerning Roberts. An innocent joke she attempted was met with jeers, indicating that her usual roasting style might need fine-tuning for this particular star.
Stars on Glaser’s Radar and Material Plans
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Celebrity Targets for Jokes
While Roberts remains a challenge, Glaser is confident about her material on other stars attending the Globes. She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to interact humorously with several nominees:
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Timothée Chalamet: She’s had past playful exchanges with Chalamet, including teasing his upper lip moustache last year, describing it as “the most gorgeous eyelashes.” This year, she’s prepared for another round, expecting Chalamet to handle whatever she throws his way.
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George Clooney: Nominated for “Jay Kelly,” Clooney is considered “a good sport,” and Glaser is looking forward to engaging with him. She said, “He’s down for it,” implying her jokes will be playful rather than sharp or personal.
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Michael B. Jordan: The “Sinners” nominee and a recent target of her humor, Glaser is excited about her material for him, likely referencing his rising star status and his recent performances.
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Leonardo DiCaprio: Part of the “One Battle After Another” awards season powerhouse, she plans to poke fun at DiCaprio, hinting, “The icebergs are coming. Watch out,” alluding to his history with climate-related jokes.
Crafting the Monologue Behind the Scenes
From Clubs to the CBS Studio
Most of Glaser’s preparation starts in intimate comedy clubs across Southern California. She emphasizes how crucial these local gigs are to testing her material, “I’ve been running the jokes constantly. The crowds tell me what works and what doesn’t.” Comedy in these clubs is a delicate balancing act, where she has to tailor her jokes to entertain, insult, or amuse her audience, often by asking them to impersonate celebrities.
She confesses to experimenting with jokes that don’t make it to the final cut. For example, she considered a bit about “Pluribus” called “Pluribly not,” but ultimately decided it didn’t land and was discarded. Her focus remains on creating a roast-style monologue that plays directly to the Globes’ audience, whom she involves by asking them, “Will you play Julia Roberts for me?” This participatory element helps her connect and bring her material to life.
Addressing Unpredictable Current Events
Like all hosts, Glaser knows that unexpected news can arise during the broadcast, possibly throwing her off-script. She referenced her concern over Venezuela’s situation, which she thought might become a hot topic during the show but now feels less likely to be relevant. “You can’t even anticipate things a week away as being relevant enough,” she explained, pointing out how quickly news cycles shift.
Her previous experience with Julia Roberts’ “Wicked” joke illustrates her method: finding a line that walks the fine line between humor and respect. Last year’s “Wicked” joke—“My boyfriend loved it, my boyfriend’s boyfriend loved it”—managed to celebrate LGBTQ+ themes in a playful, non-offensive manner. She plans to borrow from that approach, aiming for jokes that are clever and lighthearted without crossing into meanness.
Reading the Room and Audience Dynamics
Preparation isn’t solely about writing jokes; it’s also about understanding the room. Glaser indicates she relies heavily on her comedy club audiences to refine her material, constantly testing jokes to gauge reactions. The size and makeup of the Globes crowd differ significantly from club venues, and she expects some jokes to require adjustments in real-time. Her strategy involves good-natured role-playing, asking the audience to humorously embody celebrities, which adds a playful element to her monologue.
This interactive technique helps her manage the risk of offending while still delivering sharp, memorable humor. She notes that “they’re usually very excited about it,” referencing the enthusiasm of her comedy club crowds when asked to play particular celebrity roles.
Impending Hurdles and Future Expectations
Despite her meticulous preparation, Glaser remains aware of the unpredictability inherent in hosting such a high-profile event. The possibility that external news or a celebrity controversy could dominate the conversation looms large. Her initial plan to reference Venezuela might now be abandoned if the situation doesn’t stay newsworthy, emphasizing her adaptive approach.
Her past experience with Julia Roberts indicates that even with a solid plan, finding the right joke can take time. Last year, she dedicated considerable effort to craft the perfect line that effectively balanced humor and admiration. Her final joke played off the “Wicked” theme and was well-received, proving her talent for navigating delicate star relationships through comedy.
As she prepares to take the stage, Glaser is confident but pragmatic. She knows the audience expects laughs, but she’s also aware of the nuanced dance required to deliver jokes that entertain without alienating. With her extensive rehearsals, keen sense of comedic timing, and a roster of targets she’s eager to poke fun at, Nikki Glaser aims to leave a lasting impression at the 2026 Golden Globes.
