Nikki Glaser has caused quite the reaction for her opening monologue at this year's Golden Globes after she criticised CBS News.
The network has been heavily scrutinised over the last year or so following a series of business decisions that critics saw as undermining its editorial integrity to be more friendly to the Trump administration.
It also installed conservative commentator Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief, a move that was openly opposed by several within CBS and beyond.
Ms Glaser wasted no time setting the tone for her second consecutive hosting stint at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday evening.
Golden Globes 2026: Nikki Glaser during her opening monologue
|GETTY
The 41-year-old comedian opened proceedings at The Beverly Hilton by sarcastically framing the ceremony as "without a doubt, the most important thing that's happening in the world right now."
She swiftly pivoted to Hollywood's business dealings, taking aim at the much-discussed Warner Bros. Discovery sale.
"Let's get down to business: We'll start the bidding for Warner Bros. at five dollars. Do I hear five dollars?" Ms Glaser quipped, drawing substantial applause from the assembled industry figures.
The comedian then turned her attention to the recently released Epstein files, remarking on the impressive "star power" gathered in the room.
Bari Weiss was appointed head of CBS News last year
|GETTY
Nikki Glaser calls out CBS News at the #GoldenGlobes, also being broadcast on CBS
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 12, 2026
“And the award for Most Editing goes to: CBS News! Yes, CBS News: America's newest place to see B.S. news”
See the full winners list: https://t.co/u8RneFXtd7 pic.twitter.com/8JBQ7DfxhF
"There are so many A-listers. And by A-listers, I mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted," she told the audience, prompting audible gasps before laughter followed.
Ms Glaser continued the bit by announcing: "And the Golden Globe for Best Editing goes to the Justice Department."
The host then directed her sharpest barb at the very network broadcasting the ceremony, presenting CBS News with the award for "most editing."
"CBS News: America's newest place to see B.S. news," she declared.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- Adolescence cast lead Brits on Golden Globes red carpet as controversial show poised for awards haul
- Golden Globes red carpet: All the best looks from this year's arrivals as stars descend on Hollywood
- Singer Zara Larsson rants 'I love criminals and immigrants' as she sparks uproar with bizarre ICE statement
Golden Globes 2026: Nikki Glaser also poked fun at Leonardo DiCaprio
|GETTY
The joke received widespread applause within the room and was met with a number of complimentary messages online.
However, reacting to the popular film X account, Discussing Film, which was one of the first accounts to post a clip of Ms Glaser's CBS quip, several lodged complaints.
"God forbid journalists refrain from catering to leftist lunatics," one X user fired back. "Is there a bigger bunch of self-absorbed f*** heads than Hollywood celebrities?"
"Disgusting Woke Hollywood," a second weighed in while a third sarcastically commented: "You mean it's no longer a mouthpiece for the Gazan Hamas Ministry of Information and the Democratic National Committee?"
Golden Globes 2026: Nikki Glaser's monologue was widely praised
|GETTY
"All mainstream news is BS. Independent media >," a fourth argued, before a fifth echoed: "And that's why I'm not watching."
However, Ms Glaser's monologue was widely applauded by viewers and attendees for its close-to-the-bone remarks and topical quips.
"This is why I watch award shows for moments like this. CBS can’t hide behind the cameras," one fan remarked.
"She’s on f***ing fire god i love her," a second praised, while a third echoed: "Nikki Glaser biting the hand that feeds her with that CBS News joke and looking SICKENING doing it - LOVE. HER. #GoldenGlobes2026."
Fifa has no plans to drop its new Peace Award, handed out for the first time to US President DonaldTrump last month | GETTYAnd another simply put: "Nikki was good with the jokes. That was fun. #GoldenGlobes."
Elsewhere in her monologue, Ms Glaser reserved particular attention for Leonardo DiCaprio, who was nominated for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson's dark comedy One Battle After Another.
After listing his considerable achievements, including three Golden Globes and an Oscar, she delivered her punchline: "The most impressive thing is that you were able to accomplish all of that before your girlfriend turned 30."
The comedian acknowledged the joke was "cheap" but offered an explanation for the familiar territory.
"We don't know anything else about you, man. Open up!" she said, noting that his most revealing interview appeared in Teen Beat magazine in 1991.
When asked if his favourite food remained "pasta, pasta and more pasta," Mr DiCaprio smiled and mouthed "yes."
Ms Glaser made history last year as the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo, earning widespread praise for her edgy yet measured approach.