The Golden Globes Finally Fixed a Major Awards Show Problem—But They Created Another One

Let's hear it for Nikki Glaser

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Published Jan 6, 2025

Rich Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty Images

Last night, the 82nd annual Golden Globes took place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills and the stars were out. We got Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande finally ditching the pink and green. We saw Jonathan Van Ness rocking a stunning Christian Siriano gown. We were even served all the onstage emotion courtesy of Zoe Saldaña and Demi Moore. But that's not what I remembered most from the evening.

In addition to handing out trophies to some truly groundbreaking shows and movies, the Globes also managed to solve a major awards show problem—and it all involves host Nikki Glaser.

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The 40-year-old comedian made history last night as the first woman to ever host the Golden Globes on her own. And if the folks behind the Globes have any sense, they'll be bringing her back again next year.

Each award season, the same problem arises: how to find a host that's actually funny, actually good, actually engaging, actually charismatic and actually makes me happy when they step on stage. The two-word solution to this major, age-old problem? Nikki Glaser.

You guys, she was such a great host. She made me laugh without being mean. She was edgy without making me squirm. She spearheaded bits that had me cackling (instead of checking my watch to see how many minutes were wasted on non-award content). Honestly, it's been since the days of Tina and Amy co-hosting that I fully loved a host so much.

Her best moments? There were many. Glaser crushed her opening monologue. "Tonight we celebrate the best of film and hold space for television." Genius. I could watch her Pope-ular number (an homage to both Conclave and Wicked) over and over. I even loved her mid-show speech recap where she pointed out that Mario Lopez had been mentioned more times than God in acceptance speeches.

Next year, when it comes to the problem of who can actually handle the gig of awards show host, the Globes (and Emmys...and Oscars...) need look no further than Glaser.

Sadly, for every one thing awards shows fix, they ruin something else...

Andrew garfield kerry washington golden globes

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For some reason, the Globes thought it would be a good idea to inundate us with "fun facts". As presenters took the stage, beneath their names, we got teeny tiny print describing some fun fact about them. Okay...

For example, here's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it (slash it's-so-small-and-long-you've-already-missed-it) moment with Demi and Margaret.

And then, as the winners made their way to the stage after their names were called, the announcer would awkwardly fill the time with more than just the usual "this is so-and-so's first win." We got fun facts, awkward quotes—and more! And perhaps the worst part? The announcing of these facts often ran into the start of the winner's speech, creating a strange and chaotic moment of two people briefly talking at once.

A note for the Globes next year? A lack of "fun facts" was a problem no one was looking to solve. Let's just keep it simple (and Glaser-filled), shall we?

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Philip Mutz

VP, News and Entertainment

Oversees news and entertainment content
Is an award-winning playwright and has hosted two entertainment podcasts
Has 10+ years experience in entertainment coverage and viral media

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