Nikki Glaser, the comedian celebrated for her successful hosting of the Golden Globes last year, is preparing to take the stage once again in an effort to replicate that triumph. During a recent Zoom conversation, Glaser expressed both excitement and anxiety about her return, admitting that the high praise from her previous performance has set a daunting standard for her upcoming appearance.
“I could do it tonight and feel like I have a solid monologue, but I still have five days to write more,” Glaser noted, highlighting her creative process. She emphasized the unpredictable nature of final preparations, implying that it often leads to spontaneous, unique moments that can enhance her performance.
Reflecting on the overwhelmingly positive feedback she received after last year’s telecast, Glaser found it surreal and intimidating. “I didn’t like that. It only sets me up for failure,” she stated, revealing her reluctance to watch her past performance until just recently. “But when I watched it, I was like, ‘Oh, that was pretty good.’ I’ve got to do that again.” The pressure from this success makes her aware that she must strive to meet or exceed that standard this time around.
In preparing for this year’s ceremony, Glaser has been balancing her responsibilities, taking time off from performance to recharge before diving back into writing and brainstorming after Thanksgiving. She described her first experience on “Saturday Night Live” as invaluable, comparing it to the joy of participating in a childhood play and underscoring the importance of collaboration and experimentation in her creative process.
Although she has achieved significant milestones, Glaser candidly discussed her ongoing battle with imposter syndrome. She expressed gratitude for her career, recognizing that luck plays a role in success, especially in the entertainment industry. Her current mindset is focused on embracing this luck rather than allowing self-doubt to overshadow her accomplishments.
As she prepares her material, Glaser is also alert for outside feedback. Recently, she received input from industry veterans like Judd Apatow and Steve Martin, who both offered insights based on their own experiences. This community of support helps her refine her humor and ensures she remains in touch with current cultural references.
Glaser acknowledged the evolving media landscape, explaining how it complicates the task of crafting universally relatable jokes. Viewers have become increasingly fragmented in their viewing habits, making it essential for her to strike a balance between accessible and niche humor.
Anticipating the 2026 Golden Globes, which will air live on January 11, Glaser remains optimistic. With a mixture of excitement and anticipation, she looks forward to creating memorable moments in front of a star-studded audience, with a desire to engage other big names spontaneously throughout the evening. Her ability to bring humor into a prestigious event context paints a hopeful picture of her upcoming performance, proving her adaptability and creativity in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.