Ricky Gervais returns as host of the 73rd Golden Globes this weekend, and based on his previous runs as emcee, it should be another onslaught of celebrity jabs and takedowns. Although Tina Fey and Amy Poehler served as hosts for the previous three years, turning the ceremony into more of a lighthearted, boozy affair, Gervais was synonymous with the Globes for the three years before that. During that time, he lobbied hard for the title of “harshest awards show host of all-time,” and that doesn’t seem to be changing this year as he expects to “bite the hand that feeds me” on Sunday.
With his first opening monologue back in 2010, Gervais opened fire on a lot of celebs, like a controversial quip about Mel Gibson’s drinking. He earned scorn from many, including the Hollywood Foreign Press Association itself. While he toned down his jokes for the subsequent two years, Gervais continued to poke fun at the expense of the attendees. Targets like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Robert Downey Jr. passive-aggressively expressed their distaste for Gervais’ wit, while others praised his antics.
There have been other contenders for harsh hosts, though. Chris Rock, Seth MacFarlane, and Neil Patrick Harris have all taken shots during awards shows, but none of them have gotten the attention and controversy that Gervais has (and basks in).
Here are some of his best bits from his three hosting duties. Can’t wait to see what he does on Sunday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L-70rXsFLI
