Nikki Glaser's Sharp Golden Globes Roast: CBS, Warner Bros., and Epstein Files

A Bold Start to the 83rd Golden Globe Awards

Nikki Glaser made a powerful entrance during her opening monologue at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, delivering sharp and often controversial jokes that touched on some of the biggest headlines of the year. From the bidding war over Warner Bros. Discovery to the Epstein files and even the controversies surrounding CBS News, Glaser didn’t hold back.

Bidding Wars and Industry Jabs

Glaser kicked off the evening with a joke about the intense competition for Warner Bros. Discovery. “We'll start the bidding for Warner Bros. at $5. Do I hear $5?” she asked, referencing the ongoing negotiations that had been dominating entertainment news. The audience included key figures like Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, making the joke all the more pointed.

She then took a swipe at the industry itself, quipping that the Globes were celebrating the best of both TV and film in Los Angeles, “where no TV or film has been made for the past six years.” This insider joke was quickly followed by a reference to the Epstein files, which had been a major topic of conversation in recent months.

Jokes About the Epstein Files

“I cannot believe the amount of star power we have in this room tonight. It's insane. There's so many A-listers,” Glaser said. “And by A-listers, I do mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted.”

She continued with a jab at the Justice Department, joking, “The Golden Globe for Best Editing goes to the Justice Department.” This line was met with a mix of laughter and uncomfortable silence from the audience.

Criticizing CBS News

Glaser also took aim at CBS News, calling it “America's newest place to see b.s. news.” Her comments came in response to the network’s recent controversies, including the settlement with Donald Trump and the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. Before the Skydance acquisition of Paramount, “60 Minutes” had settled a lawsuit with Trump for $16 million, adding fuel to the fire of criticism against the network.

A Nod to Leonardo DiCaprio

One of the night’s standout moments involved Leonardo DiCaprio, who was nominated for his role in “One Battle After Another.” Glaser joked, “What a career you've had. I mean, countless iconic performances. You've worked with every great director. You've won three Golden Globes, an Oscar,” she said. “And the most impressive thing is that you were able to accomplish all of that before your girlfriend turned 30.”

The joke landed well, but Glaser quickly apologized, admitting, “It's cheap. You know what, I tried not to, but we don't know anything else about you, man. Like there's nothing else.”

She then asked, “Like open up. Seriously, the most in-depth interview you've ever given was in Teen Week magazine in 1991. Is your favorite food still pasta, pasta and more pasta?”

DiCaprio nodded, confirming that his love for pasta remained unchanged.

A Touch of Dirty Humor

Glaser also brought her signature brand of humor to the stage, joking that “Sinners” saved Warner Bros. Discovery “for about a month.” She then praised Michael B. Jordan’s performance in the Ryan Coogler film, where he played twins.

“I can't believe it, we got two Michael B. Jordans. When I saw that, I was like Nikki B. Jerkin,” she said. Within seconds, she apologized to Jordan, who was sitting with his mother.

“I'm so sorry. I should not have said that to you. That should have been a DM,” Glaser said, as the camera caught Jordan’s mother taking a big sip of water.

A Host with a History

This marked Glaser’s second consecutive year hosting the Golden Globe Awards, which is considered one of the first major TV and film award shows of the year. The event was broadcast on CBS and also available live for Paramount+ Premium subscribers.

Throughout the monologue, Glaser managed to balance biting commentary with self-deprecating humor, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout the night.