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Golden Globes Taps Sykes and Gervais to Revitalize Awards Show

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 14:36 GMT by USA Today
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 - The Golden Globes are betting on comedic firepower to revitalize the awards show and attract a broader audience. Veteran comedians Wanda Sykes and Ricky Gervais have been announced as the co-hosts for the 2026 Golden Globes, scheduled for January 22nd and airing live on NBC. This pairing signals a significant strategic shift for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) as it attempts to overcome recent challenges and rebuild public trust.

The announcement comes after a period of intense scrutiny and reform for the Golden Globes. Following accusations of a lack of diversity and ethical concerns within the HFPA, the organization underwent substantial changes, including expanding membership to include a more diverse group of journalists and implementing stricter guidelines to address potential conflicts of interest. The return of Gervais and the inclusion of Sykes are viewed as key elements in this ongoing rebranding effort, deliberately intended to inject fresh humor and a renewed sense of relevance into the ceremony.

Gervais Returns to the Globes Stage

Ricky Gervais's involvement is particularly noteworthy. The British comedian previously hosted the Golden Globes in 2010, 2012, and 2014, leaving a lasting impression with his often-provocative and irreverent style. His absence for the past decade has been keenly felt by some viewers, who appreciated his willingness to poke fun at Hollywood conventions and the awards season spectacle itself. Gervais is known for his dry wit, observational humor, and fearless approach to tackling sensitive subjects, a persona the HFPA is now hoping will draw viewers back in.

"It's great to be back, especially with Wanda," Gervais said in a statement. "The Golden Globes are slightly less racist and sexist now - which makes it a great time to return."

Sykes Adds a Dynamic New Voice

Wanda Sykes, a celebrated comedian and actress known for her sharp social commentary and relatable humor, brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the hosting duo. Sykes previously hosted the Golden Globes in 2009, showcasing her comedic talent and ability to handle a high-pressure live event. Her inclusion alongside Gervais is expected to create a dynamic and engaging on-stage presence, offering a blend of observational humor and pointed commentary.

"I'm excited to be back, and even more excited to be co-hosting with Ricky," Sykes commented. "We're going to have fun, and hopefully, people will, too."

More Than Just Comedy: Addressing the HFPA's Past

The HFPA's selection of Sykes and Gervais isn't solely about generating laughs. It's a conscious effort to acknowledge and address the organization's past missteps. The body's commitment to reform goes beyond diversifying its membership and tackling ethical issues. It signals an intention to create a more transparent and accountable awards show, one that's willing to poke fun at itself and the industry it represents. The choice of hosts known for their willingness to challenge the status quo demonstrates this commitment.

The show's success will largely depend on whether this new approach resonates with audiences. The Globes have been working hard to repair its reputation, and having well-respected, established comedians like Sykes and Gervais at the helm is a significant gamble - one that could either catapult the show back to its former glory or further solidify its image as an outdated relic of Hollywood's past.

The 2026 Golden Globes promise to be a night of humor, entertainment, and hopefully, a sign of a brighter future for the awards show. Whether the combination of Gervais's veteran wit and Sykes's contemporary humor will be enough to revitalize the Globes remains to be seen, but the excitement and anticipation are palpable.