Top Comedic Stars, Including Chris Rock, Turn Down Host Offers for Golden Globes
Despite efforts to secure top comedic talent like Chris Rock, the Golden Globes faced multiple rejections However, a Hollywood makeover is in the works, hinting at an exciting and unexpected hosting duo, possibly Barbie and Ken (349 characters)
It is anticipated that Barbie and Ken will make an appearance at the upcoming Golden Globes, however, the event organizers are struggling to find someone enthusiastic enough to host the show. Despite the announcement of Globe nominations on Monday morning, the search for a host is still ongoing, according to CNN. Sources have revealed that Chris Rock, who has hosted the Oscars twice, has declined the offer to host the ceremony on January 7, as have at least four other top comedic actors.
Rock declined to comment when asked, and previously attended a major award show in 2022, where he was famously slapped at the Oscars by Will Smith. He may also be a nominee in the new category of best performance in stand-up comedy on television for his Netflix special, "Chris Rock: Selective Outrage."
Others whove declined
Another contender for her role in the Netflix show "Beef," Ali Wong, was also asked to emcee the Globes, according to a source familiar with the situation. Wong turned down the offer, the source revealed, as first reported by Puck.
Ali Wong, here in November, was approached to host the Golden Globes in January.
Dia Dipasupil/WireImage/Getty Images
A representative for Wong declined to comment.
Arnett, Hayes, and Bateman, co-hosts of the "SmartLess" podcast, declined a joint offer to host the Globes, according to two sources familiar with the situation. A representative for "SmartLess" declined to provide any comment.
If the trio had accepted the offer, it would have been the first time in almost 30 years that the Globes had three hosts. Although most of the awards ceremonies have not had a host, the Globes generate more buzz when they do. It is unlikely that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, who received critical acclaim for co-hosting four times, will return as they have previously stated they are done with the gig.
Apparently, they meant it.
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey have co-hosted four Golden Globe ceremonies.
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A source close to Poehler and Fey told CNN this week that they would never host the Golden Globes again. The spokesperson for the Golden Globes declined to comment, but a source familiar with the search revealed that there are currently three very serious conversations happening with potential hosts.
The Globes is moving to a new broadcast home at CBS this year, which could mean that CBS will use the opportunity to promote one of its own stars for three hours. NBC did the same when they were the previous broadcast home, casting network comedic talent like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and Andy Samberg as the hosts of the event. Meanwhile, ABC's own star Jimmy Kimmel will be returning to host the Oscars for the fourth time in March. It's not uncommon for talent to turn down the opportunity to host a major awards show, as the preparation and immediate feedback may not be worth it for seasoned veterans. For up-and-coming comedians, however, this gig could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
"Its a thankless job," one celebrity publicist told CNN.
"Its not worth it," another top publicist said of hosting award shows. "There are a lot of politics. Its not easy and its not fun anymore."
A Hollywood makeover
The Beverly Hilton ballroom, despite uncertainty surrounding the host for the upcoming Globes, is anticipated to showcase appearances by top contenders such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert DeNiro, Martin Scorsese, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Meryl Streep, Selena Gomez, Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Aniston, and Quinta Brunson. This year's Golden Globes will mark the commencement of a packed award season, as the entertainment industry endeavors to restore the glitz, glamour, and revelry to Hollywood following disruptions that halted most productions for a large part of 2023.
The Golden Globes will move from NBC to CBS this year after reform of the organization behind the event.
CNN reports that the Golden Globes continue to address a scandal that arose in 2021. The Los Angeles Times uncovered the lack of Black members within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which presents the awards, and potential ethical issues related to the influence of its then-roster of 87 international journalists.
A group of publicists urged the HFPA to make significant changes to address their widespread discriminatory behavior, unprofessionalism, ethical issues, and alleged financial corruption. As a result, NBC decided not to air the broadcast in 2022 and talent was advised to boycott the event.
The HFPA has been disbanded and the Golden Globes now have new ownership, with Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge Industries taking over the show. These changes have satisfied many in Hollywood, with publicists reporting that their celebrity clients are looking forward to attending the Globes next month without protest.
The January ceremony on NBC, hosted by Jerrod Carmichael, had the second-lowest ratings of all time with 6.3 million total viewers, representing a 26% drop from the previous Globes telecast. It might be beneficial for the event to enlist a high-profile host to boost viewership, if one can be secured by the organizers.
