Wanda Sykes onstage at the 2026 Golden Globes. Rich Polk/2026GG Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Ricky Gervais just learned what happens when you skip out on the Golden Globes. During the 2026 ceremony on Sunday, the comedian was nominated for best performance in stand-up comedy on TV for Ricky Gervais: Mortality and ultimately won. However, he wasn't in attendance to accept the award, so presenter Wanda Sykes accepted it on his behalf. But that also meant Sykes had the microphone all to herself, and she definitely didn't waste the opportunity. "Ricky Gervais, I love you ... for not being here," she said, drawing laughter from the A-lister-filled room. "No, I love you Ricky, but if you win, I get to accept the award on your behalf. And you're going to thank God and the trans community." Once Sykes eventually announced Gervais as the winner, she added, "Teyana [Taylor], can I borrow your speech? Because he would like to thank God and the trans community," drawing cheers from the crowd. Gervais, a self-proclaimed atheist, has been regularly criticized for his jokes about the transgender community in his stand-up specials, as his comments have been labeled anti-trans. He's also frequently mocked religious beliefs. Despite the backlash, he's previously defended his jokes. Other nominees in the best performance in stand-up comedy on TV category were Bill Maher (Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This?), Brett Goldstein (Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life), Kevin Hart (Kevin Hart: Acting My Age), Kumail Nanjiani (Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts) and Sarah Silverman (Sarah Silverman: Postmortem). Earlier in her speech, Sykes also teased some of the nominees who were in attendance. "Bill Maher, you give us so much, but I would love a little less. Just try less," she quipped. "The thing, Kevin is the richest guy in this category, and yet I know he wants it the most. You're a true American, Kevin." The 2026 Golden Globes, hosted by Nikki Glaser, were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday evening. Find the full list of winners here, and check out the night's red carpet looks. Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Rhea Seehorn Rhea Seehorn Thanks Vince Gilligan for "Role of a Lifetime" While Winning First Golden Globe for 'Pluribus' The Pitt 'The Pitt' Wins Golden Globe for Best Drama Series Live Feed 'Industry' Co-Creators on Show's New Villain: "If You Show Too Much of the Monster, It Feels Less Scary" Owen Cooper Owen Cooper Makes History as Youngest Golden Globe Winner for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series Podcasts Amy Poehler's 'Good Hang' Wins First Golden Globe for Best Podcast The Pitt Golden Globes: 'The Pitt' Star Noah Wyle Calls Best Drama Actor Win a "Truly Humbling Moment" Rhea Seehorn Rhea Seehorn Thanks Vince Gilligan for "Role of a Lifetime" While Winning First Golden Globe for 'Pluribus' The Pitt 'The Pitt' Wins Golden Globe for Best Drama Series Live Feed 'Industry' Co-Creators on Show's New Villain: "If You Show Too Much of the Monster, It Feels Less Scary" Owen Cooper Owen Cooper Makes History as Youngest Golden Globe Winner for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series Podcasts Amy Poehler's 'Good Hang' Wins First Golden Globe for Best Podcast The Pitt Golden Globes: 'The Pitt' Star Noah Wyle Calls Best Drama Actor Win a "Truly Humbling Moment"