Why the Golden Globes Should Ditch Hosts, According to Vanity Fair

Article by Chris Murphy

Jo Koy's performance as the host of the 2024 Golden Globes was unambiguously a failure. Several of Koy’s so-called “jokes” lacked logic. Take for example, his complaint about the length of Oppenheimer (180 minutes) in the presence of Killers of the Flower Moon (206 minutes). Some of his attempts at humor could only be described as asinine, like his uncreative comments on Barbie’s anatomy. Evidently, it was agonizingly evident that Koy was not suited for the job of hosting one of Hollywood’s most glamorous nights. During his monologue, Koy realized this, yet insulted his writers by blaming them for the poor jokes. "I wrote some of these, and they’re the ones you’re laughing at” he stated. His veracity will have to be taken at his word.

That said, not all the writing featured on the show was terrible. Perhaps it was due to the incredibly low expectations set by Koy’s monologue, but there were some enjoyable moments during the 2024 Golden Globes. For instance, Elizabeth Banks making Dua Lipa say “vitamins” in her British accent, or Andra Day struggling with the word “strip mall” much to Jon Batiste’s delight. Kevin Costner’s lack of comprehension of America Ferrera’s Barbie monologue when he tried to repeat it was also amusing. While the presenter segments did all they could to lighten the mood, they couldn't stop the ceremony from feeling like a near-disaster.

Comparing Koy’s hosting lowlights with the relatively successful presenter segments, one thing became clear:‌ The Golden Globes have evolved beyond the need for a host.

Hosting the Golden Globes is no easy task. Its audience combines the biggest celebrity figures in the fields of films and television, which makes even the toughest awards showrooms seem less intimidating. One has to realize that these are the Emmys and the Oscars combined within the intimate Beverly Hilton setting. The Golden Globes portray themselves as a televised party where the general public gets a peek into Hollywood's privileged sphere. Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Koy, who is not part of the Hollywood elite, struggled with striking a balance between making jokes and seeking the approval of the esteemed audience.

Ricky Gervais became a regular host of the Golden Globes as he effectively made use of this unique dynamic by mocking Hollywood’s A-list from within the golden setup. His Golden Globe win last night in the newly introduced best-stand-up category demonstrated that he was indeed part of the club. Last year, Emmy-winning comedian Jerrod Carmichael joked about his newcomer status in Hollywood and how much he was paid for the hosting gig. His middling reviews seem impressive given his status as a newcomer in the industry.

But we don't require an insider comedian who cracks insults or an outsider who candidly tells it like it is to host the show. What we actually need is stars simply being stars.

For instance, Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig's playful interaction while introducing the best actor in a musical or comedy managed to be both silly and sharp. Ferrell's commentary "The Globes have not changed!" was arguably the joke of the night. Just as they did in 2013, they provided what we look forward to at the Golden Globes – superstars so comfortable and relaxed they lose themselves in their goofiness.

Of course, the Globes would probably love it if Ferrell and Wiig volunteered to host the whole shebang. Unfortunately, a mix of declining ratings for awards shows plus diminishing returns on the host’s investment seems to have resulted in celebrities of a certain standing no longer champing at the bit to host splashy awards shows. (How we miss you, Billy Crystal.) Rather than settle for [insert comedian here], the answer to the Golden Globes telecast problem was standing right under their nose: Just get rid of a host—something the Globes have done many times before—and have celebrities present their little bits together and then get back to their seats to enjoy the rest of their evening. 

You can have fun with combinations: play on the heartstrings with a reunion (aww, look it’s the cast of Suits) or make everyone cock their head wondering who thought to put those people together (please welcome to the stage, Angela Bassett and Jared Leto). It’s a lower lift for the celebrities—no full-time commitment to a hosting gig that may very well get more ridicule than praise, and more fun for the viewing audience at home. And not every presenting bit needs to be a comic masterclass à la Wiig and Ferrell—the Globes should play to the strengths of whatever celebrities they can get their hands on, and let them do what they do best, whether it’s a goofy dance or standing regally in a gorgeous black ensemble à la Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.

Look, the Globes are not known for necessarily being the best of anything. Hell, it’s not even the G in EGOT. Other awards shows, like the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys, are more formal celebrations of excellence, and, perhaps, demand a more formal structure and emcee to guide the audience. But, the Golden Globes are all about being the most. The most stars, the most prizes, and the most fun. In that vein, they should once and for all do away with the formality of having any sort of host and go for the most—a revolving door of shining stars presenting a bevy of awards in an environment where they feel comfortable to let their freak flag fly, if they so choose. The Globes is an insider’s game so why not create a space where those insiders feel free enough to really let loose and allow us to revel in the fun with them. That way we’ll all have a ball.