As the 2026 Golden Globes approach, returning host Nikki Glaser is preparing to take the stage with her signature sharp wit. However, the comedian has revealed there is one major Hollywood star she considers virtually untouchable when it comes to her opening monologue roast.
The Untouchable 'America's Sweetheart'
In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Glaser confessed that Julia Roberts is the A-lister she fears targeting. Roberts is nominated for her role in After the Hunt. Glaser explained that while she feels comfortable ribbing newer, younger actors, it's a different story with the icons she grew up admiring.
"We have so many huge A-listers that I grew up really admiring," Glaser said. "It's really for me to take down the newer batch of actresses and actors younger than me. Like, 'OK, I can make fun of you. I'm like a veteran.' But when it's like people I grew up admiring, it's a different approach this year."
Audience Reaction Forces Rewrites
The comedian has been rigorously testing her material at comedy clubs around Los Angeles, and any joke aimed at Roberts has consistently fallen flat. "I'm trying out my monologue around LA at the clubs here and any joke about Julia Roberts, they are not there for," Glaser stated. "You can not make fun of America's Sweetheart. So whatever I end up saying about her, that is the most fine-tuned joke I've worked on so hard because it is very delicate."
The negative reaction from test audiences has been so strong it has included audible booing. "They were booing. I was like, 'Is she here?' It's insane. I get it, though," Glaser admitted.
Other Stars on the Roasting Block
While Roberts may be off-limits for harsh treatment, Glaser has no such reservations about other nominees. She confirmed plans to joke about Leonardo DiCaprio, quipping, "Leo? Leo, yeah, Leo. We're going to hit Leo. The icebergs are coming. Watch out." She also intends to target George Clooney, nominated for Jay Kelly, whom she believes is a "good sport."
Additionally, Timothée Chalamet, whom she mocked at last year's ceremony, will be in her sights again for his nominated performance in Marty Supreme. "Timothee, he's great. He knows how to handle it," she said.
Glaser's strategy involves walking a fine line between entertaining viewers at home and maintaining the vibe in the room. "You want to give the people at home something to laugh at and you want to poke fun at the people they're dying for you to make fun of," she explained. "It's covert in the sense that I want to get away with those jokes without ruining the vibe in the room. It's really strategic and one of the most difficult jobs I've had."
Despite the challenges with Roberts, Glaser told the Associated Press she remains determined. "She's been the toughest nut to crack. But I'm going to crack it." She added that she often debates whether to warn celebrities beforehand but usually decides to "ask for forgiveness later at the after party when they're drunk."
This isn't the first time Glaser has been linked to Roberts in a comedic context. In 2024, she shared a video on Instagram where her parents, Julie and Edward, commented on a viral clip of Roberts interacting with Taylor Swift's then-boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Her mother, Julie, later apologized for calling Roberts' actions "gross," stating it was "not a nice word."
The 2026 Golden Globes, hosted by Nikki Glaser, will air on Sunday, January 11th.
