At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, in a moment that blended humor with a pointed message, Wanda Sykes stepped in for the absent Ricky Gervais to accept his award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on TV. Her improvised acceptance speech, which humorously involved thanking "God and the trans community," subtly referenced Gervais's history of controversial remarks, turning his absence into an opportunity for a memorable statement on inclusivity.
Sykes Accepts Golden Globe for Gervais, Advocates for Trans Community
On January 11, 2026, at the glamorous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, during the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony, comedian Ricky Gervais was honored with the award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on TV for his special, Ricky Gervais: Mortality. However, Gervais was not present to collect his accolade. In a surprising turn of events, fellow comedian Wanda Sykes, who was among the presenters, took the stage to accept the award on his behalf. Seizing the impromptu opportunity, Sykes light-heartedly quipped, "Ricky Gervais, I love you… for not being here." She then humorously stated that if Gervais were to win, she would accept the award on his behalf and instructed him, "And you're going to thank God and the trans community." Later, upon announcing Gervais as the actual winner, Sykes playfully reiterated her earlier sentiment, suggesting, "Teyana [Taylor], can I borrow your speech? Because he would like to thank God and the trans community." This generated significant applause and cheers from the star-studded audience. Sykes's remarks were widely interpreted as a witty commentary on Gervais's past controversial jokes about the transgender community and his often-criticized atheistic views, providing a moment of unexpected advocacy and humor during the prestigious awards night. Other nominees in the category included Bill Maher, Brett Goldstein, Kevin Hart, Kumail Nanjiani, and Sarah Silverman, whom Sykes also comically acknowledged in her address.
This incident at the Golden Globes underscores the evolving landscape of comedy and social responsibility. Sykes's ad-libbed speech wasn't merely a comedic interlude; it served as a powerful, yet gentle, pushback against humor that marginalizes. It highlighted the entertainment industry's growing awareness and expectation of inclusivity, suggesting that while free speech is valued, so too is compassion and respect for all communities. It reminds us that platforms, even during celebratory events, can be utilized to champion important social causes and encourage a more empathetic dialogue.