Most Uncomfortable Jo Koy Moments During His Golden Globes Hosting Debut
Jo Koy's hosting debut at the 2024 Golden Globes was unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons From cringeworthy monologue moments to questionable jokes, this article unveils the most awkward highlights that left audiences squirming
Rich Polk/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images
Jo Koy‘s hosting debut at the Golden Globes left a lot to be desired.
The comic, age 52, finally found a host for the Golden Globes on Sunday, January 7, following an extensive search. Koy joins a lineup of comedians such as Jerrod Carmichael, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Ricky Gervais, and Andy Samberg.
In a December 2023 press release, Koy expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the Golden Globes this year, describing it as a particularly meaningful moment in his career. "I've performed on many stages worldwide, but this one is going to be especially special. I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to make my Filipino family proud. Mahal Kita (Google it)!"
Koy's comedic style fell flat with both the live audience and viewers at home. His awkward monologue included jokes about Barbie, Robert De Niro's personal life, Barry Keoghan's NSFW scene from Saltburn, and more. Despite trying to embrace the less-than-enthusiastic reaction, Koy became a trending topic on social media.
"It seems like the golden globes had no one in charge and Jo Koy just walked in and declared, 'I'm hosting' and no one bothered to question it," one viewer joked on X (formerly Twitter).
On the other hand, another person criticized Koy's time on stage, stating, "50 minutes in and Jo Koy has already: Thrown his writers under the bus, Made 76 offensive jokes, Endlessly complained that the audience isn't enjoying his jokes, Made everyone in the world hate him, Made everyone grateful for Jerrod Carmichael from last year."
Keeping scrolling for the Koy moments that still have Us reeling:
His Monologue Leads to Secondhand Embarrassment
Rich Polk/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images
The opening of an awards show is often seen as setting the tone for the rest of the evening. If that's the case, Koy's choice of starting off with an unusual note following his monologue left many speechless - and not in a positive way.
He became infamous for his jokes about Barbie, mocking her transformation from perfect beauty to bad breath, cellulite, and flat feet, which he referred to as "character acting" by casting directors. He also took a jab at the movie's plot, stating that "Oppenheimer" is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project, while Barbie is based on a plastic doll with big boobs.
Viewers noticed that Koy's remark about Barbie only reinforced stereotypes, with one social media user commenting, "The awkward silence during Jo Koy's Barbie jokes... He made clever jokes about other nominees, but all he had to say about Barbie was 'big boobs'." Throughout the introduction, celebrities like Selena Gomez, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Emma Stone, and others seemed unimpressed by Koy's performance.
The Taylor Swift Dig
CBS
After the unfavorable response to his monologue, Koy took advantage of the commercial break to make a joke about Swift's love life that some viewers believed was originally part of the monologue, but cut due to Swift not being seated yet.
"The major contrast between the Golden Globes and the NFL? At the Golden Globes, we get fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift. I promise," he quipped as the camera panned to Swift. "There's just more to get to."
From the audience, the singer, 34, took a sip from her drink while making a face that confirmed she was far from impressed.
Making Excuses
The Golden Globes followed shortly after the WGA and SAG strikes came to a close. Many viewers were disappointed when Koy blamed the writers for his failed jokes, just months after the strikes ended. “I only got the job 10 days ago! You expect a flawless monologue? Come on. Slow down,” he scolded the audience. “I wrote some of these jokes, and those are the ones you’re laughing at.”
Disappearing Act
Following this, numerous individuals expressed their discontent on various social media platforms. One individual remarked through X, "The most disappointing moment of the evening undoubtedly goes to Jo Koy, who, after recently benefiting from the monumental WGA strike, shamefully betrayed his writers."
Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell. Rich Polk/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images
During the awards show, attentive fans noticed that the actors presenting the awards were dominating the screen time. "Has anyone else noticed that Jo Koy has been completely absent from the Golden Globes for the past hour?" wrote a social media user after Koy was noticeably missing for most of the second half of the show.
The skits performed by presenters like Kristin Wiig and Will Ferrell left a greater impression on some viewers. The trio consisting of Daniel Kaluuya, Hailee Steinfeld, and Shameik Moore, who presented the award for best screenplay, also received acclaim for their ability to keep the atmosphere light and humorous.
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Many viewers found the celebrities attending the awards show funnier than the host. However, not everyone agreed, as some people praised Koy's ability to create a variety of jokes in just over a week. "It was humorous. Relax, Hollywood," wrote a fan in response to We's coverage of Koy's jokes during the awards show.
