Comedian Wanda Sykes used her high-profile platform at the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony to deliver a series of sharp, pointed critiques aimed at fellow comics Ricky Gervais and Bill Maher. The event, held on Sunday, saw Sykes presenting the award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television, a moment she leveraged for social commentary.
A Pointed Opening Monologue
Sykes began her segment with a bold statement that immediately set the tone. She remarked that some people were upset "that a queer Black woman is up here doing the job of two mediocre white guys." This clear reference to Gervais and Maher, both previous hosts of major awards shows, was followed by a sarcastic offer to "give them some love." She then turned her attention specifically to Bill Maher, whose HBO special "Is Anyone Else Seeing This?" was nominated in the category.
Addressing Maher directly, Sykes said, "You give us so much. But I would love a little less. Just try less." The camera quickly cut to Maher in the audience, who appeared visibly unamused by the dig, offering a strained smile to the room.
A Brutal Roast for an Absent Winner
Sykes saved her most biting commentary for Ricky Gervais, who was not in attendance despite his Netflix special "Morality" being nominated. "Ricky Gervais, I love you for not being here," she stated, before adding, "But if you win, I get to accept the award on your behalf, and you are going to thank God ― and the trans community."
This joke was a direct allusion to the significant backlash Gervais faced for his 2022 Netflix special "SuperNature," which featured a number of jokes criticized as anti-transgender, including one referencing women with "beards and cocks." In a moment of comedic follow-through, when Gervais was announced as the winner, Sykes made good on her promise. Holding the award, she told the star-studded crowd, "He would like to thank God and the trans community. Ricky Gervais could not be here, so we’ll accept this on his behalf."
The Context Behind the Jabs
Sykes' remarks about Bill Maher also carried political weight. Maher drew widespread criticism last year after having a dinner with then-President Donald Trump at the White House, despite being a longtime critic. Maher defended this move on his "Club Random" podcast last month, calling himself the "Trump whisperer." He argued that America "would do a lot better to have more people like me talking to" the president and expressed a desire to dine with him again, stating, "I think he needs more people … and he likes talking to people."
Sykes' monologue effectively highlighted these controversial positions, framing her critiques within broader conversations about accountability, representation, and the social responsibilities of influential comedians. Her performance underscored her role as a commentator willing to challenge peers on a global stage, making it one of the most memorable and discussed segments of the 2026 Golden Globes broadcast.
