What Did Critics — And Celebs — Say About Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes Hosting Debut?

Nikki Glaser is the name on everybody’s lips since the 2025 Golden Globes.

The comedian could be making a repeat performance as awards show host for future, because critics and stars alike had high praise for Glaser’s opening monologue — despite how savage it was.

“I am not here to roast you tonight, and how could I? You are all so famous, so talented, so powerful,” Glaser told the crowd when taking the stage on Sunday, January 5. “I mean you could really do anything.”

She then took shots at some stars in the crowd, including Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez, but also made sure to name-drop some stars who weren’t even in attendance.

“Tonight, we celebrate the best of film and hold space for television,” Glaser continued. “Yes, Wicked, Queer, Nightbitch: These are not just words Ben Affleck yells after he orgasms. These are some of the incredible movies nominated tonight.”

Ozempic and Sean “Diddy” Combs were also topics that Glaser tackled, regardless of who liked it — or didn’t. Keep scrolling for a breakdown of reactions to the comedian’s Golden Globes hosting debut:

The Critics Have Praised Glaser

Various outlets had nothing but positive responses to Glaser and her performance.

Rolling Stone effused that Glaser “redeems the Golden Globes” in their headlines recapping the show. The publication called out her “spicy” and “silly roasts” specifically.

Glaser made sure the show started “smoothly,” The Atlantic wrote, noting that she did a good job by “immediately — and frequently — [making] herself the butt of the joke.”

“Glaser’s good-natured delivery turned out to be the ideal vehicle for some unexpected bite as well — but only if you listened carefully,” their review read. “In between her many, many self-effacing barbs, Glaser slid in some stingers about the guests seated before her.”

The Golden Globes of years past was the awards show where celebrities had fun, let their hair down (got a little drunk) and if you’re Emma Thompson a la 2014, accepts an accolade with shoes in hand. According to Variety, Glaser brought the show right back to its roots.

“The Golden Globes reclaims its chaotic glory with a vibrant Nikki Glaser and some fun facts,” their headline read.

The Los Angeles Times’ review addressed Glaser’s jokes specifically, calling them “good” with a “tight” delivery. “Glaser’s stand up can be pretty dark … but she found a way to be lightly cutting and relatively inoffensive, just far enough above a community of which she is not exactly a part, taking gentle shots at individuals,” they wrote.

Using the now-ubiquitous viral phrase “understood the assignment,” Time Magazine noted that’s exactly what Glaser did. She “hit her marks,” the publication added.

Critics for The Hollywood Reporter even argued that Glaser saved the show, “reminding audiences once again of the importance of above-average hosting.”

Others Were Unimpressed

IndieWire, on the other hand, wasn’t fully taken by Glaser’s performance, saying she “did a fine job” as host. They noted that the comedian “delivered what CBS producers surely wanted — a solid performance referencing as many famous faces as possible.”

The Stars in Attendance

As for the stars in attendance, their facial expressions did all the talking.

Chalamet, for one, took it in stride while his mustache was compared to eyelashes. (Girlfriend Kylie Jenner laughed next to him.)

Glen Powell was quick to cackle — even though Glaser put his name and her sex life in the same sentence.

“Glen, you were in everything. Twisters, Hit Man, my head when I’m having sex with my boyfriend,” Glaser quipped, which got a big laugh from the actor. “Thank you so much for the assist. I’ll see you tonight.”

Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were quick to participate in Glaser’s jokes, proving they were good sports as well. Gomez, while looking rather uncomfortable, did chuckle when her relationship with fiancé Benny Blanco was brought up.

Both Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were in stitches when Glaser commented on the amount of movies the actress made last year that kept her away from her musician husband.

Some stars who kept their poker face through the jokes? Zendaya, Harrison Ford, Kate Winslet and Stanley Tucci.

What Celebs Said

A few notable names gave Glaser her flowers on social media. Jon Stewart took to X during the show and penned an epic compliment.

“Nikki Glaser is very very good at this,” he wrote.