The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony delivered its share of glamour, awards, and perfectly scripted awkwardness, courtesy of Jason Bateman and his SmartLess podcast co-hosts.
A Brutally Funny Introduction
During the event on Sunday night, Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett took the stage to present the award for Best Female Actor in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical. Their entrance, however, was hijacked by the ceremony's announcer, who delivered a now-viral jab at one of the presenters.
As the trio walked onstage, the announcer welcomed them with: "Please welcome the hosts of 'Smartless!' Sean Hayes, Will Arnett and — a guy who’s never really been my thing — Jason Bateman."
The camera immediately cut to Bateman, who slowed his walk and looked around with a mix of confusion and visible annoyance, setting the stage for the comedic bit that followed.
The On-Stage Tension Unfolds
Sean Hayes, ignoring his friend's reaction, launched into reading the nominees from the teleprompter. "This year’s nominees for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy truly raised the bar..." he began.
Bateman, with his back turned to the audience, quickly interrupted. "So we’re just gonna pretend that didn’t just happen?" he asked, refusing to let the slight go.
When Hayes played dumb, Bateman clarified his irritation. "The announcer? He said, 'Jason Bateman’s not really my thing?' Who says that?"
Will Arnett then delivered the punchline, sheepishly admitting, "Honestly, a lot of people kinda say that." He attempted to soften the blow by adding, "Yeah man, you’re not everybody’s thing. That’s OK."
A Mock Feud with a Payoff
Hayes tried to defuse the situation by complimenting Bateman's work in Ozark, which only led to Bateman suspiciously asking him what the show was about. Hayes fired back, "It was about three seasons too long," escalating the mock feud.
Arnett then chastised Bateman for making the category about himself, saying, "That is just — wow, that’s wild." The announcer sealed the bit by asking over the loudspeaker, "Do you get it now?" which drew laughter from the star-studded audience.
Ultimately, the award was presented to Jean Smart for her acclaimed role in the series Hacks. While the entire exchange was a pre-written sketch, it brilliantly played on the trio's well-known podcast chemistry and deadpan humor.
The moment served as a highlight of the 2026 Golden Globes, showcasing how scripted comedy can still create genuinely surprising and entertaining television. For fans of the SmartLess podcast, the dynamic felt authentically hilarious.
