The Editing Room Floor: A Comedian’s Perspective

Hosting a live awards show, especially one broadcast to millions worldwide, is a tightrope walk. Nikki Glaser, known for her fearless and often self-deprecating humor, found herself navigating that challenge at the 2026 Golden Globes. In a candid conversation on The Howard Stern Show, Glaser revealed the extensive “Stern File” – a running list of jokes she considered, many of which ultimately didn’t make it to air.

Glaser explained that the decision to cut jokes isn’t about censorship, but rather a pragmatic assessment of what will land effectively and responsibly in the moment. “You just don’t get everything you want and you just gotta move on and let’s just write a better joke,” she quipped, demonstrating a seasoned comedian’s acceptance of the editing process. She acknowledged a growing sensitivity to the potential impact of her jokes, stating, “There’s been times where jokes have really hurt people’s feelings or I’ve gone too far and I feel like I am always okay with losing stuff now.”

This willingness to self-edit speaks to a broader trend in comedy, where performers are increasingly aware of the power of their words and the importance of considering their audience’s perspectives. But where does one draw the line between pushing boundaries and causing genuine harm? Glaser’s experience offers a compelling case study.

Sydney Sweeney and the Box Office Reality

One of the first jokes Glaser discussed involved actress Sydney Sweeney and her boxing biopic, “Christy.” The film’s disappointing box office performance – earning just $1.3 million on its opening weekend – provided fodder for a joke referencing the struggles of theatrical releases. The initial punchline was particularly pointed: “And if you don’t believe me, there was a movie this year where Sydney Sweeney played a lesbian who just bounced around in tiny shorts for two hours and it made $14.”

However, Glaser wisely decided to scrap the joke upon learning Sweeney wouldn’t be in attendance. She recognized that the joke would land differently, and potentially more harshly, without the actress present to share in the moment. This demonstrates a level of empathy and professionalism often overlooked in discussions of comedic risk-taking.

Navigating Sensitive Territory: AI and Celebrity Culture

The cuts weren’t limited to jokes about box office flops. Glaser also abandoned a controversial line targeting Particle6’s AI-generated actress, Tilly Norwood. The joke, deemed too sensitive, touched upon the emerging ethical concerns surrounding AI and its potential for exploitation: “You know, everyone’s concerned about AI. Tilly Norwood is the first star to be completely generated by AI and somehow has still been sexually assaulted by three different studio execs.”

This decision highlights the growing awareness of the complexities surrounding AI and the need for responsible discourse, even within the realm of comedy. It raises a crucial question: can humor effectively address sensitive topics without inadvertently causing harm or perpetuating harmful stereotypes?

Unleashed Potential: Penn, DiCaprio, and Chalamet in the Crosshairs

Glaser’s “Stern File” also contained several unused jokes aimed at other high-profile celebrities. Early drafts included jabs at Sean Penn’s appearance, comparing him to “the defiant last tree standing in a rainforest,” and a bit about Leonardo DiCaprio’s penchant for dating younger women, joking about him checking IDs. “Leo, why are you always squinting? I mean, I assume it’s to read your girlfriend’s ID. Just making sure that the year starts with a 2,” she quipped.

Material targeting Timothée Chalamet and Julia Roberts also ended up on the cutting room floor. A joke referencing Chase Infiniti’s name and linking it to Sean Penn was deemed too explicit, while a sexual joke involving Chalamet and Amy Poehler’s podcast, “Good Hang,” was also scrapped. These discarded jokes offer a glimpse into the comedian’s initial approach – a willingness to push boundaries – and the subsequent refinement process guided by sensitivity and good judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes Jokes