Nikki Glaser Shares Her Approach to Comedy for the 2026 Golden Globes

Nikki Glaser attends The Hollywood Reporter‘s annual Women in Entertainment Gala on December 03.
Credit :

Amy Sussman/Getty 

NEED TO KNOW

• Nikki Glaser returns as host of the Golden Globes for the 2026 show on January 11.
• The comedian, 41, shares her feelings on the upcoming event and what topics are off-limits this year.
• “I kind of have to keep wrapping my head around the kind of people that are going to be present in this room,” she says.

Nikki Glaser has a clear vision of what to expect as she prepares to host the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. Scheduled for January 11, this marks her second consecutive year in the role.

At 41, the comedian is gearing up for another nerve-wracking performance. “There’s lots to joke about this year — and the star power in the room is going to be bigger than ever,” Glaser noted. “I kind of have to keep wrapping my head around the kind of people that are going to be present in this room.”

She humorously referenced Leonardo DiCaprio, whose film, One Battle After Another, led the nominations this year. “I mean, Leo’s vape pen is going to be there. So excited to see that,” she quipped.

Glaser remarked on the presence of significant figures in the audience, highlighting the inclusion of podcasts this year: “That’s going to be a hilarious thing to joke about,” she stated during The Hollywood Reporter‘s Annual Women in Entertainment Gala.

Discussing DiCaprio further, Glaser indicated he might be a tricky subject for her routine. “I don’t think I’m going to go with the Leo jokes we’ve heard 25 times,” she mentioned. “I think we’ve all heard that — that’s been done enough.”

Nikki Glaser hosts the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (left); Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at the world premiere of One Battle After Another at TCL Chinese Theatre on September 8 (right).

Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Glaser emphasized her approach to humor as she prepares for the event. “My goal is always to try to not do what’s expected or try to challenge myself to not say the thing that people are going to expect.”

She acknowledged that DiCaprio would still make it to her target list, but in a different light. “That’s going to be the challenge this year, is just finding anything else about him that is right for mockery, but not mockery,” she explained, adding, “Also, he’s a legend and was incredible in One Battle After Another.” She stressed the importance of authenticity in her remarks, stating that with genuine admiration, she feels more comfortable delivering critical commentary.

Nikki Glaser hosts the 82nd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on January 5.

Rich Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

Glaser’s return as host was confirmed in March, where she expressed her enthusiasm, describing the previous year’s experience as “without a doubt the most fun I have ever had in my career.” She humorously added, “I can’t wait to do it again, and this time in front of the team from The White Lotus who will finally recognize my talent and cast me in season 4 as a Scandinavian pilates instructor with a shadowy past.”

The 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards will be held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on January 11 at 8 p.m. EST, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.