Ricky Gervais Golden Globes 2011 – What Did You Think?
By Krystal Clark
Sunday night, British actor and comedian Ricky Gervais hosted the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards for the second straight year. The host pulled no punches with his opening monologue and he kept the audience on their toes throughout the night with his sarcastic and straight for the jugular quips. No one was spared from his ridicule, not even the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press!
Here are some of the high (low) lights from Gervais’ big night…
- On the Tourist: “I’d like to quash this ridiculous rumor going around that the only reason The Tourist was nominated was so the Hollywood Foreign Press could hang out with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. That is rubbish. That is not the only reason. They also accepted bribes.”
- On HFPA President, Philip Berk: “I had to help the HFPA president off the toilet and pop his teeth back in.”
- Berk’s Response: “Ricky, next time you want me to help qualify your movies, go to another guy.”
- Introducing Bruce Willis he referred to him as Ashton Kutcher’s dad.
- On Charlie Sheen: “It’s gonna be a night of partying and heavy drinking. Or as Charlie [Sheen] calls it: breakfast”
- On the Extensive Airbrushing on the Sex and the City 2 Posters: “Girls, we know how old you are,” he quips. “I saw one of you in an episode of ‘Bonanza.’”
- On Scientology: “Also not nominated, I Love You Phillip Morris. Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay, so the complete opposite of some famous Scientologists then.”
- On Lost: “It was quite a complicated finale. I’m not sure I totally understood, but from what I made out, I’m pretty sure the fat one ate them all.”
Last night the room was filled with a mixture of laughs, and awkward groans from celebrities. Some of whom voiced their disdain when they got the opportunity to take the stage. Before presenting an award, Robert Downey, Jr. stated, “Aside from the fact that it’s been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister undertones, I’d say the show’s going pretty good so far, wouldn’t you?”
He was followed by the one-two punch of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen who also voiced their opinions about the night’s emcee. Hanks said he could recall “back when Ricky Gervais was a slightly chubby but very kind comedian.” Allen replied sternly, “Neither of which he is now.”
Some critics say that Gervais went too far, while other say his jokes added a much needed edge to the stuffy ceremony. After watching the show and reading these quotes, what do you think?
Did Gervais go too far or are people overreacting?
Monday, January 17, 2011 8:55AM
Ricky Gervais did an excellent job. He was funny, witty, and unfortunately may have upset the Hollywood heirarchy, who really need to relax and not take it so seriously.
Monday, January 17, 2011 9:10AM
I think }ervaise went way too far. He does better as the mild, yet sarcastic nervous guy.
Monday, January 17, 2011 9:16AM
He certainly didn't go too far.. He was really funny and if these people can't take a joke then they are quite pityfull!
Monday, January 17, 2011 9:44AM
Thought he was great. Last year people complained he didn't go far enough, this year he went a bit further and people are acting surprised. Well, what did they expect? Didn't think he went too far and actually made the show entertaining.
Monday, January 17, 2011 9:53AM
Think he did a very good job, yes it makes you wince but seriously would the globes get this much press without him? c'mon get real the Golden team must be privately over the moon, he won't get it again it will revert to some mild mannered non offensive type or maybe Russell Brand
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:00AM
I think Gervais has been over-rated for years, it's about time people saw him as a sad, pathetic litle man – there is a difference between humour and rudeness, which he clearly cannot appreciate.
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:11AM
He went way to far, especially at the end of a week where most Americans are focusing on how nice we are to each other. I just can't believe the number of derogatory jokes he and others told about the HFCA members themselves, and they're the hosts of the event! Not so funny – I used to be mildly interested in the buzz around Gervais; now, I'll probably never tune in anything he does.
And when it comes to Travolta, the press and everyone else should either leave him alone, or at least stop publicly participating in the coverup of who he really is.
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:17AM
Those who object to Ricky Gervais' acerbic comments quickly defend the First Amendment rights but I guess this doesn't apply to everybody. Humor is best when it "goes for the jugular." Although Ricky's not in their category, this is what Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx did. I think Gervais understands the politics and phoniness in the film industry.
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:22AM
First he didn't go too far. He was actually very good.
Second, what else did the organisers expect from him? He's known for not being a PC comedian.
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:31AM
so Gervais upset Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hanks, Jane Seymour and Tim Allen and others… well done Ricky… you were brilliant… spot on… i pissed myself… you've got the bottle and tell it like it is.
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:35AM
absolutely great!!!!!fantastic humour..!!!there is no limits to comedy if it's not bias..
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:57AM
[...] for Best Actor or Actress, instead they were more concerned with who Gervais pissed off during his opening monologue. Since when does the host steal the spotlight from the films and its stars? Perhaps the reason more [...]
Monday, January 17, 2011 10:58AM
i thought he was brilliant,i also think that robert downey jnr was not a dig at him but making fun of everything that had been said.the same goes for what tom hanks and tim allen said.was a bit strange that he hadn't been seen for 1hr though,i wonder if he got a telling off?
Monday, January 17, 2011 11:01AM
John Gravett : Rudeness = Humour.(Well a form of it anyway) Sad and pathetic? Pathetic are people that don't have on grasp on reality and think of themselves as royalty when they are just actors. "No please don't make a crude joke about me WAHHHH" "Im tooo speciiiallll" Hahaha.
Everyone else: I think certain people, generally the people at the golden globe who are "elitests" with superiority complexes can't take a joke, and need to get their head out their bums. Take themselves way too seriously. GET OVER YOURSELVES hahaha. And it appears the Americans can't handle sarcasm? But we've always known that over here. His humour is the kind which shocks, its funny BECAUSE he steps out of line, its his act and his way. Obviously he wasn't being seriously. Anyone who got offended by it really need to get a grip and learn to have a laugh. Its meant to be funny because its rude. Hahaha would love to see how people react if it was Frankie Boyle!!!
Monday, January 17, 2011 12:31PM
Ricky put those pompous Hollywood pricks in their place quite nicely. The only one who could possibly have done a better job would have been Rowan Atkinson in Blackadder mode.
Monday, January 17, 2011 12:38PM
I thought he was terrific. These folks should take their work seriously without taking themselves seriously. People seem so afraid to say anything honest these days that they come across like a bunch of plastic phonies. I miss the old days and I'm not even that old!
Monday, January 17, 2011 12:56PM
I think he was great. He was employing classic British humor. It’s amazing how these arrogant people can dish out criticism of non-stars because they see themselves as having an incredible amount of wisdom, but can’t take it. He wasn’t playing to his immediate audience, he was playing to the “commoners” who appreciated having their sentiments stated.
Monday, January 17, 2011 1:31PM
My husband and I absolutely loved him! I'm looking forward to watching it next year only because of Ricky Gervais!!! I hope they will let him host it again.
Monday, January 17, 2011 1:47PM
I thought he went way, way to far. Maybe in another setting he would have been humerous, not this one. We don't need the "Rickles" degrading style on an awards show.
Monday, January 17, 2011 1:56PM
Without Gervais there would be little talk about the Globes. He is very funny and has made it interesting. He was invited back for a second year to stir things up so people will remain interested in a fairly boring procedure.
Monday, January 17, 2011 3:19PM
I thought he was amazing and was just being himself. If they can't stand the heat, they need to keep Ricky out of the kitchen. He is one of the most honest, blunt comedians I've ever seen. And I would never watch the Golden Globes except for the two years that he has hosted. I actually left my grandmother's funeral early to watch him this year. And he was hysterical on Letterman and Conan. Just seeing/hearing him laugh makes me laugh! He is so genuine, just like a child. He is one of the best at deflating the pompous. Brilliant.
Monday, January 17, 2011 4:49PM
I think that Hollywood needs to take award shows hosts lightly…it's been decades known that an awards show is half awards/half roast!
Most celebrities put themselves in the spotlight, again knowing that their every move will be scrutinized by millions. The viewing public also gets off on the humiliation of the rich and famous.
If a celebrity does not wish to be made fun of in public (although sometimes pot shots are not their fault – Bruce Willis for, example) then they should watch what they do or say. Acting like Charlie Sheen will get you roasted on like Charlie Sheen!
Monday, January 17, 2011 5:15PM
Ricky was absolutely brilliant!! I actually lost interest in the show when he, for some unknown reason, disappeared for an hour. As for him not being invited back next year, the HFPA would be nuts not to do so. The ratings were up every one is talking about the awards today and money talks louder than whingeing stars. I think it more likely that will be asked to host again and he will turn them down.
Monday, January 17, 2011 8:58PM
I think this comment was very classy "I don't know if an actress can do her best work until I've slept with her." otherwise, funny.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 1:04AM
Ricky = really really f@cking funny.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 2:02AM
It's far from easy to tell the truth to some people but the guy really has some guts so he deserves our admiration ! If some couldn't take it , well, too bad for them ! For once , a ceremony I really enjoyed watching . It's so good nowadays to have a great laugh ! Thousand thanks for that Mr Gervais!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:21AM
It is so funny to hear all the whining from people who are saying he went too far. Lighten up, Francis! Anyone who takes themselves that seriously is pathological. It goes along with being a "celebrity". Keep your private life private, conduct yourself appropriately and be grateful for being able to play "pretend" for a living. You didn't know you would be watched and criticized. PLEASE! Good old-fashioned ball busting, comedy at it best! (BTW, I didn't hear this kind of complaining when Kanye said Bush hates black people. Now THAT was offensive!) Maybe this is why Obama hates the Brits, too honest. (Sorry for the politics, couldn't help myself.)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:23AM
Seriously…the best reactions to the best jokes/humouristic entertainment, are mixed laughter AND awkwardness. This kind of blunt honest irony is really much more cathartic then anything else. We should thank Ricky for dragging his British satire all the way across the big pond to the somewhat pompous american media culture.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 7:10AM
Here is a hint for all those that were offended by Ricky, don't do stupid things, and you won't get roasted.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 7:13AM
What style?!?!?! Porn models marrying a person 60 years older than her, Actress marrying an actor 30 years younger. Others hiring prostitutes, tons of drugs and activities that would have you and I spending a life in jail, but they get off scott free??? That style?
Just because they're wearing tuxedos and ball gowns, doesn't mean they have style.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 7:17AM
he was hilarous, that show is stuffy and he was really witty and made the show what it was. people need to suck it up, hes a comedian, if u cant make fun of famous people, who can u make fun of?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 2:43PM
Ricky was hilarious, even though I didn't and wouldn't watch the show, I just don't care enough about the Hollywood people. They should get over themselves but oh ya they think they are royalty or something even higher those "stars". Get a life.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 4:07PM
Ricky was sooo funny! I would not have watched any of the awards had it not been for him and his humor!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 2:06PM
[...] all the mixed reviews, and negative news that’s been surrounding the comedian since last Sunday’s Golden [...]
Friday, January 21, 2011 6:44AM
LOL! <3 R.D Jr…get him to host next year!!
Friday, January 21, 2011 2:51PM
The truth sometimes hurts. Those stars that were not mentioned in RG’s comic, should be more pissed off. The media attention is their life, blood and money streams. Lets see what antics stars will get up to this year to get noticed for 2012 Globes. The new word for the year is ‘SNAAM’ “Sensitive New Age American Media’. Get over yourselves!.
I love your work RG, keep it up, keep it real!. Its the best I have seen in comedy for years.
Friday, January 21, 2011 6:00PM
I'm an American, and I thought he was extremely funny. These needy, multi million dollar, movie stars, need to get over themselves. This is Ricky Gervais's act and everyone knew that from the start. So I just don't see what all the fuss is about. There was even an add on television of him saying that he would be there insulting them through the whole show. It's the only reason I even tuned in to watch it. Only because of him and his totally funny act. For the most part he was telling the truth and he made the truth funny. Had he not been the host I wouldn't have even bothered to watch the show because the show would have been way too boreing without him and his very sharp British wit. The Hollywood tightasses need to losen up and above all "get a sense of humor". British comics are some of the very best in the world, and Ricky Gervais is right at the top. Gervais did nothing wrong. He made people laugh. It's what he does for a living and it's his gift and he uses it well. I'd tune in to any show he does live. He should have gotten an award for his performance not ridicule.
Friday, January 21, 2011 10:30PM
Ricky Gervais was awesome! Any of the celebs who were offended need to lighten up! His jokes certainly didn't go too far. Well done Ricky!
Monday, January 24, 2011 11:28PM
Loved it- thought he was a scream.
Saturday, February 12, 2011 1:28PM
I loved him. .
Saw him on youtube, I had stopped watching these boring award shows.
There is no other jobs where people make so much money with so little talents and need to self- congratulate themselves.
Most of these artists are no artists, mediocrity seems to be in in hollywood and they cannot take a good joke aimed at them????
Well too bad.