If the reception of the Golden Globes over the last few years are anything to go by, it seems like fewer people are giving a crap when it comes to celebrities patting themselves on the back under the guise of an awards show. In an attempt to revive interest, Hollywood is using one of its oldest tricks: dusting off something that worked in the past and hoping it’ll work again.
For the 2020 Golden Globes ceremony, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has decided to ask Ricky Gervais to host. Again. For a fifth freaking time. As for why he decided to take the job, he said:
“Once again, they’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse. But this is the very last time I’m doing this, which could make for a fun evening.”
Yes. Fun.
Of all the hosts they could’ve picked – and that includes the option of going hostless – why on earth did Ricky Gervais get the nod (again)? Were Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were too busy or something? Couldn’t they find someone funny and witty who isn’t a white man?
If you track the progression of his hosting efforts from the first time in 2010 to his most recent attempt in 2016, you can clearly see how Ricky gradually goes from witty and edgy to just saying things to push people’s buttons.
No shade on Ricky’s talents but bringing him back to host the Golden Globes again feels like a step backwards. 2016 was a much different time compared to today and it’s hard to see how Ricky Gervais’ brand of “edgy” humour will go down with folks today.
This all feel very similar to Billy Crystal’s Oscar hosting stint: it started off well but his schtick got tiresome by the fifth time. Feels like the Golden Globes missed out on an opportunity to get some fresh faces to host and it’s hard to honestly believe that the talent pool in Hollywood for award show hosts is so shallow that Ricky is the top choice.
Perhaps Ricky Gervais will surprise us this time around and the time away from the Golden Globes stage will help the quality of the material.
Hell, maybe ol’ mate will dust off his inner pop star and perform some of his old 80’s new wave tunes. Now that’ll be something worth watching the 2020 Golden Globes for.