The 83rd Golden Globe Awards, held on Sunday night in Beverly Hills, California, saw comedian and host Bill Maher on the receiving end of the jokes for a change. While presenting the award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television, veteran comedian Wanda Sykes, 61, turned her sharp wit on the 69-year-old Real Time host, much to the audience's delight.
A Night of Playful Insults
Sykes promised the nominees "some love" before immediately targeting Maher. "Bill Maher, you give us so much," she began, pausing for effect before delivering the punchline, "But I would love a little less." As the audience erupted in laughter, she added, "Just... try less." Cameras cut to Maher, who initially looked puzzled before adopting a stony, unamused expression, notably failing to join in the laughter that surrounded him.
Sykes did not spare the other nominees in the category, which included Brett Goldstein, Kevin Hart, Kumail Nanjiani, Ricky Gervais, and Sarah Silverman. She complimented Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein on his looks and "super villain voice," joking he "would've made a great Menendez brother." To Kevin Hart, she said he was "the richest guy in this category" and "a true American."
Kumail Nanjiani's muscular physique, developed for Marvel's The Eternals, was referenced when Sykes said, "I love that you prove that male comedians can be funny without being chubby." She poked fun at her own lapsed friendship with Sarah Silverman, claiming, "We haven't talked in five years, but we are so close!"
Gervais Wins and Sykes Delivers on Promise
The most pointed barbs were reserved for Ricky Gervais, who was not in attendance. "Ricky Gervais, I love you for not being here," Sykes said. "I love you, Ricky, but if you win, I get to accept the award on your behalf, and you are going to thank God." She added, "And the trans community!"—a nod to past controversies surrounding Gervais's material, which he has denied is anti-trans.
When Gervais was announced as the winner for his special Mortality, Sykes kept her word. Accepting the award on his behalf, she thanked "God" and the "trans community," delivering a perfect, ironic punchline to her earlier setup.
Chalamet Soars as Oscar Favourite
Beyond the comedy category, the night was significant for shifting the awards season landscape. Timothée Chalamet won Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy for Marty Supreme. This victory has propelled him ahead of Leonardo DiCaprio as the betting favourite to win the Best Actor Oscar in March, according to prediction market Kalshi.
Chalamet's acceptance speech was notably brief, offering a muted acknowledgement to his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, by referring to her simply as "partner," a contrast to his more effusive declaration at the Critics Choice Awards the previous week.
However, DiCaprio's film, One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, had the last laugh in several categories. It was the most awarded film of the night, winning four Golden Globes including the top prize of Best Picture - Comedy or Musical. Anderson also won for Best Director and Best Screenplay, while Teyana Taylor won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.
The award for Best Picture – Drama went to Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, with its star Jessie Buckley winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama.
Television Triumphs
On the television side, Netflix's limited series Adolescence swept its categories. It won Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for TV, with Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty winning acting awards. Sixteen-year-old Owen Cooper won Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, becoming one of the youngest Golden Globe winners in history.
HBO's medical drama The Pitt won Best TV Series – Drama, and its star Noah Wyle won Best Actor in a Drama Series. The comedy The Studio won Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy, with Seth Rogen winning Best Actor in that category.
The ceremony also featured the inaugural award for Best Podcast, which was won by Amy Poehler for Good Hang With Amy Poehler.
