Nikki Glaser Is Happy Leo DiCaprio Laughed Off At A Joke Critics Picked About Him

The host of the Golden Globes Nikki Glaser thanks for that Chelsea Handler he made a joke about Leonardo DiCaprio at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
“It was nice that I was able to watch the Critics Choice Awards and see that he was in the mood to laugh at himself,” said Glaser, 41, while singing. Jimmy Kimmel Live! will appear on Tuesday, January 6. “And he did. He seems to like a joke about himself.”
The comedian added, “I’m coming in peace, and I’m happy that I liked his performance so much One War [After Another] and I can put that layer before I go for the kill.”
Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel asked if it helps to praise the star before getting into the joke.
“It always looks like he’s preparing someone to get punched in the stomach,” Kimmel commented. Glaser nodded.
“I think they’re interested,” she said. “I make sure it comes from a real place. I don’t do it unless I really feel it. I wouldn’t say anything if I didn’t actually feel that way.”
Handler, 50, kicked off the 2025 awards season on Sunday, January 4, in her fourth year hosting the Critics Choice Awards. DiCaprio, 51, was seen laughing in the crowd as Handler called him out during his monologue.
“Leo is here, thank God,” Handler laughed. “Leo almost didn’t make it tonight because he was stuck on the boat in St. Barts. The Titanicbut worse, because Jeff Bezos he was there.”
Glaser, meanwhile, is gearing up for his second year as host of the Golden Globes on Sunday, January 11. His single last year was crushed, putting pressure this year to moderate.
“It’s a little tougher this year,” Glaser explained during Tuesday’s talk show. “I don’t have films like this The Night Visitor at this time. You had some funny movies last year.”
He went on to say, “I found out that this year I’m just scared because there is a new star in the room I grew up in, who worships idols, similar to the people who were on my wall when I was a child.”
Glaser named DiCaprio and George Clooney – both nominated – as two stars who have followed their careers.
It was announced two months after his first hosting gig in January 2025 that Glaser would return for a second year.
“Hosting the Golden Globes this year was without a doubt the most fun I’ve had in my career,” Glaser said in a statement at the time. “I can’t wait to do it again, this time in front of The White Lotus team who will finally see my talent and put me in Season Four as a Scandinavian Pilates instructor with a bad track record.”
The president of the Golden Globes Helen Hoehne he also issued a statement.
“Nikki Glaser brought a refreshing spark and fearless wit to the Golden Globes this year,” he said. “His sharp humor and bold presence set the tone for an unforgettable night, making the event feel more alive and exciting.”




