Golden Globes 2026: Wanda Sykes thanks “God and the trans community” during Ricky Gervais acceptance speech
At the Golden Globes, Wanda Sykes thanked “God and the trans community” during her acceptance speech on behalf of Ricky Gervais.
Gervais, who hosted the Golden Globes on five occasions between 2010 and 2020, won the Golden Globe for ‘Best Performance in Stand-up Comedy on TV’ for Mortality, which arrived on Netflix on December 30th.
The English comic beat competition from Kamail Nanjiani, Sarah Silverman, Brett Goldstein, Kevin Hart and Bill Maher to the Golden Globe.
However, the co-creator of The Office was unable to be at the ceremony in Los Angeles in person, and Wanda Sykes instead accepted it on his behalf.
“Ricky Gervais, I love you… for not being here,” she began while reading out the nominees, before adding, “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.”
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Then, once Gervais was crowned the winner, Sykes told the room full of acting royalty, “Teyana (Taylor), can I borrow your speech? Because he would like to thank God and the trans community.”
Gervais has spoken about his atheism extensively in his work, as well as in interviews, and has also received backlash for jokes about the transgender community in his Netflix specials.
Sykes did poke fun at Gervais’ fellow nominees, too. She also said, “Bill Maher, you give us so much, but I would love a little less. Just try less.”
The comedian then said of Kevin Hart, “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.”
Elsewhere at the Golden Globes, host Nikki Glaser used her opening monologue to address the Epstein files, saying, “I cannot believe the amount of star power we have in this room tonight. It’s insane. There are so many A-listers, and by A-listers I do mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted. And the Golden Globe for best editing goes to the Justice Department.”
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