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The Top 20 Funniest Golden Globe Speeches! Guess Who’s Number One?
By Nick Spake
Jan. 13, 2026
Get ready to laugh out loud with some of the most hilarious moments from the Golden Globes stage! From witty one-liners to cheeky thank-yous, this collection showcases unforgettable speeches by comedy legends and surprise stars alike. Watch as icons like Bill Murray, Steve Carell, and Jennifer Lawrence bring their unique humor to the spotlight and leave the audience roaring with laughter. Highlights include Julie Andrews’ polite shade, Tracy Morgan’s sharp-tongued gratitude, and Jennifer Coolidge’s delightfully bizarre thank-yous. Which speech had you cracking up the hardest? Tell us your favorite in the comments!
#20: Julie Andrews
“22nd Golden Globe Awards” (1965)
Although Julie Andrews played Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway production of “My Fair Lady,” Jack Warner wanted a name that film audiences were more accustomed to for the screen adaptation. Enter Audrey Hepburn. Despite being better known as a stage performer at the time, Andrews soon became a household name with her iconic turn as Mary Poppins. In an ironic turn, Hepburn and Andrews were nominated against each other at the Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Andrews prevailed, cheekily thanking the person who made this possible: Jack Warner. It was a polite way of throwing shade at Warner for not casting her, although even Jack seemed to be laughing so hard that he wiped tears from his eyes.
#19: Seth Rogen
“83rd Golden Globe Awards” (2026)
Talk about a full circle award show moment. “The Studio” may be the ultimate Hollywood in-joke, with a revolving door of celebrities playing themselves amid a barrage of inside baseball. Among the A-listers who got in on the gag were Zoë Kravitz and Dave Franco. It was practically preordained when Kravitz and Franco presented a Golden Globe to the star of “The Studio,” Seth Rogen. The irony wasn’t lost on Rogen, who noted that one of his show’s episodes revolved around his character wanting recognition at the Globes. He might not have thanked Sal Saperstein, but he did give a shout-out to fellow nominees Steve Martin and Martin Short, reminiscing about how he dreamed of beating them someday. They’d better be in Season 2.
#18: Tracy Morgan
“66th Golden Globe Awards” (2009)
“30 Rock” was an awards magnet, although Tracy Morgan often went overlooked for his uproarious performance as Tracy Jordan. That doesn’t mean he never got a chance to give an acceptance speech. When “30 Rock” won the Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy Series, Morgan got to speak on the show’s behalf. Morgan proclaimed he’d be giving all of the acceptance speeches henceforth because Barack Obama had recently won the presidency. While Morgan’s comment about “post-racial America” plays differently given what came several years later, his speech was still a laugh riot, taking shots at Cate Blanchett and the Emmys. Among his list of thank-yous, Morgan mentioned the lady from craft service before Alec Baldwin reminded him to also mention their then-boss, Jeff Zucker.
#17: Hugh Laurie
“63rd Golden Globe Awards” (2006) & “64th Golden Globe Awards” (2007)
Hugh Laurie won back-to-back Golden Globes for his performance as Dr. Gregory House. For some American audiences, his 2006 win was the moment that made them say, “Wait, he’s British?” They also realized that Laurie was funny, and not in a purely cynical Dr. House way. Laurie wanted to thank 172 people. With limited time, he drew three names from his pocket in a lottery of sorts. Make that four, as he threw out one name in exchange for another. Laurie would get around to thanking several others regardless. He’d thank more people the following year, although he wished somebody else could’ve written a speech for him. If that had been the case, though, we would’ve been deprived of this comedic gold: “somebody somewhere is working with a crew of drunken thieves.”
#16: Bill Murray
“61st Golden Globe Awards” (2004)
Bill Murray demonstrated his serious chops in “Lost in Translation,” although that film was still submitted as a comedy at the Golden Globes. When Murray won for his performance, he leaned into his sarcastic persona, starting by saying that he had fired his agents months ago. Murray thanked the studios that made the film possible while also mocking the various employees taking credit. The one truly responsible was writer/director Sofia Coppola, who made Murray the envy of everyone else in the room. Murray not only found the time to thank his fellow comedy nominees, but also to spotlight the forgotten dramatic actors. In reality, drama often overshadows comedy at awards. Murray’s speech is a testament to the phrase, “Dying is easy, comedy is hard.”
#15: Robert Downey Jr.
“67th Golden Globe Awards” (2010)
Sherlock Holmes is always ten steps ahead, but Robert Downey Jr. was seemingly caught off guard when he won a Golden Globe for playing the master detective. That might be because his wife, Susan Downey, said Matt Damon was going to win. Without a speech prepared, Downey said that he had nobody to thank. So instead, he listed all of the people that he wasn’t going to thank. While Downey clearly had great affection for all of the people he mentioned, he argued that they should all be bowing down to him. Fair enough, as we’re not sure that “Sherlock Holmes” would’ve been able to compete with “Avatar” at the box office if it didn’t have Tony Stark in the lead role.
#14: Geena Davis
“63rd Golden Globe Awards” (2006)
While it only lasted one season, Geena Davis won a Golden Globe for her performance as the first female U.S. president in the ABC series, “Commander in Chief.” Davis’ speech commenced on an inspirational note, recalling how a little girl in attendance that night told her that she wanted to be president someday. And it was all thanks to Davis’ performance. Just as the room filled with applause and audible “awws,” Davis swiped the rug out from under everyone. She totally made that story up! Suddenly, the most touching moment of the night shifted to one of the funniest. This speech alone should’ve gotten Davis’ show another season. Alas, we were deprived of more episodes and speeches like this one.
#13: Ricky Gervais
“61st Golden Globe Awards” (2004)
Years before he was invited to host the Golden Globes, Ricky Gervais shared in a victory for the U.K. version of “The Office.” It was an early taste of the sardonic wit that Gervais would bring to future ceremonies. The comedian wasn’t quite as savage here, however. He came off more like a fish out of water, not only because Gervais wasn’t expecting to win, but because he was still relatively new to American audiences at the time. For Yanks unfamiliar with the Brits, Gervais noted that his country used to run the world before the States. Tame compared to some of the jokes he’d make in later years, but Gervais was still the funniest person in the room.
#12: Steve Carell
“63rd Golden Globe Awards” (2006)
From one “Office” boss to another, Steve Carell found himself in the same position as Gervais just two years later. Winning for his performance as Michael Scott, Carell said that he didn’t write anything in preparation… but his wife, Nancy Walls, did. Nancy was naturally thanked more than once in the speech, eventually getting a little too personal. Carell discussed how their children were brought into this world, and suggested that his career aspirations might’ve eclipsed his wife’s own life. It ultimately ends on a sweet note, although we are curious if Walls actually wrote everything Carell read. Either way, we have no doubt that their marriage is one full of love and laughs, much like this speech.
#11: Sacha Baron Cohen
“64th Golden Globe Awards” (2007)
By early 2007, we all knew who Borat was, but Sacha Baron Cohen hadn’t made many public appearances out of character. His win at the Golden Gloves gave audiences a chance to see the real man behind Borat. That doesn’t mean Cohen was about to get serious on us. While he thanked a handful of individuals, Cohen spent much of the speech talking about his infamous nude wrestling match with co-star Ken Davitian. Going into graphic detail, Cohen declared that he deserved an award for getting so up close and personal with Davitian’s “golden globes.” The sacrifices artists make for their craft. Before being played off, Cohen got in a few more thank yous, especially to those who hadn’t sued him.
#10: Tina Fey
“66th Golden Globe Awards” (2009)
The creator and star of “30 Rock” gave a lesson in self-confidence when she collected the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. After taking a fun poke at what was then known as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which presents the awards, Tina Fey thanks the usual suspects. Her husband receives a mention, of course, but only after a few noteworthy others. Fey decides to use her time at the mic to send a message to all her online haters. There are even a few she mentions by name. Now this is the kind of name dropping we’d like to see more of at awards shows.
#9: Jennifer Lawrence
“70th Golden Globe Awards” (2013)
When the “Silver Linings Playbook” actress won the Globe over legendary actress and perennial award winner Meryl Streep, she proudly told the audience, “I beat Meryl.” This didn’t go over well with some viewers. Lindsay Lohan herself was one of many tweeting at this young upstart who was sullying the good name of a Hollywood legend. But those in the know realized it was a tongue-in-cheek reference to a line of dialogue from “The First Wives Club.” Lawrence brought her usual awkward banter and self-deprecating sense of humor to the stage when she collected the award.
#8: Taraji P. Henson
“73rd Golden Globe Awards” (2016)
If there’s one thing you’re not gonna do, it’s step on Taraji P. Henson’s train. Someone learned that the hard way when she won her Golden Globe. The “Empire” actress was working the room all the way up to the podium, but once she got there, she was determined to give her entire speech. So, when that little message flashed on the screen telling her to hurry up, Henson was not having it at all. She let the producers and everyone in charge know that after 20 years of waiting, she was going to have her time at the mic.
#7: Jim Carrey
“56th Golden Globe Awards” (1999)
He may be one of Hollywood’s funniest actors, but at the 1999 Golden Globes, Jim Carrey was the big winner for Best Actor in a Drama. Recognized for his work in “The Truman Show,” Carrey balances his usual rambunctious wit with a promise to be a bit more serious. It somehow makes his speech even funnier. He manages to poke fun at his own career, as his filmography up to that point doesn’t necessarily scream award-winning actor. Carrey also takes a few good-hearted pot shots at the Golden Globes ceremony itself while still maintaining a genuine appreciation for winning it.
#6: Jack Nicholson
“60th Golden Globe Awards” (2003)
Upon receiving his award for Best Actor in a Drama for “About Schmidt,” the acclaimed actor expresses some confusion at the movie’s classification as a drama. Regardless, he plows on with thanks for his fellow castmates. His mocking speech has the entire room, including his co-stars, in uproarious laughter the entire time. It’s a bonkers moment that only the acting veteran could deliver so winningly. But it’s his candid confession as he prepares to leave the stage that really brings the house down.
#5: Hugh Grant
“52nd Golden Globe Awards” (1995)
For some reason, everything just sounds more charming with an English accent. As the Best Actor winner for “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” Hugh Grant isn’t afraid to say how elated he is to win his Golden Globe. In fact, he’s practically rhapsodic about how it feels to win any award at all. Playing up his dashing persona with a few sarcastic, backhanded compliments at his director, writer, and co-stars, Grant is like a comedian doing a tight five. The place looks more like a comedy club than an awards ceremony by the time he was through with it.
#4: Jennifer Coolidge
“80th Golden Globe Awards” (2023)
Picking up an award for “The White Lotus,” the beloved character actress gives a delightful speech in her characteristically airy style. It’s equal parts emotional and completely bizarre in a way only Jennifer Coolidge can deliver. Her natural comedy chops are on full display. Dropping obscenities and hilarious anecdotes at a breakneck pace, Coolidge is switching gears throughout. She punctuates heartfelt thanks to “White Lotus” creator Mike White with dazzling nonsequiturs about wanting to be queen of Monaco and her gratitude that her neighbors finally speak to her. Let’s nominate her every year, please. It doesn’t matter if she’s in something.
#3: Robin Williams & Christine Lahti
“55th Golden Globe Awards” (1998)
The late, great funny man hadn’t actually won the Golden Globe this year. When Christine Lahti wins the award for “Chicago Hope,” Robin Williams sees an opportunity to entertain the people and he takes it. Lahti, who has just won the Best Actress in a Drama Series Golden Globe, is in the bathroom. Williams vamps with a few jokes before Lahti finally arrives. Lahti carries off her embarrassment beautifully, getting a few zingers in herself. Williams’ expert skills at working a crowd and their incredible bit with a hand towel make it one of the most memorable and hysterical acceptance speeches of all time.
#2: Emma Thompson
“53rd Golden Globe Awards” (1996)
Winning the Best Screenplay Award for “Sense and Sensibility,” Emma Thompson decides to pay tribute to the famed writer of the original novel. Adopting an elegant, haughty accent, she dresses her thanks in a pithy statement written from the point of view of long-dead author Jane Austen. Her musings about the night as if she were some perplexed time traveler from the 18th Century are a fun twist on the standard acceptance speech. In Austen’s voice, she gives begrudging compliments to her co-stars and various celebrities present and takes a final, withering shot at herself, even getting her own name wrong.
#1: Bette Midler
“37th Golden Globe Awards” (1980)
Before she was the grande dame, she was a nightclub act who made it big. Bette Midler had recently made her explosive film debut in “The Rose” after years of risqué concerts and TV appearances. Winning two Golden Globes for her first film performance, Midler just can’t help herself. She insists she’s a good girl now that she’s being accepted by the prestigious Hollywood establishment. But between a devastatingly dirty pun about her own pair of Golden Globes and miming a lewd act with the statuette, she shows stardom hasn’t changed her at all.
