Jerrod Carmichael's monologue made the Golden Globes gloriously uncomfortable

"I'll tell you why I'm here. I'm here because I'm Black."
 By 
Shannon Connellan
 on 
A man sits on a stage delivering a monologue at the Golden Globes.
Golden Globes host Jerrod Carmichael took a seat and hit the HFPA with some truth. Credit: Rich Polk/NBC via Getty Images

Golden Globes host Jerrod Carmichael truly called out the Hollywood Foreign Press Association with his opening speech at the award ceremony on Wednesday.

"I'll tell you why I'm here. I'm here because I'm Black," the comedian began.

In his monologue, Carmichael addressed some hard truths about the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which runs the Globes and which faced scrutiny last February when the Los Angeles Times revealed that it is 87 members included no Black people. NBC subsequently refused to air the 2022 Globes ceremony.


You May Also Like

"I'll catch everyone in the room up," Carmichael said in his speech. “This show, the Golden Globe Awards, did not air last year because the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which — I won’t say they were a racist organization, but they didn’t have a single Black member until George Floyd died. So do with that information what you will."

In October, the organisation the HFPA included six Black members in its new additions.

Carmichael spoke about being asked to host the show by producer Stephen Hill, and being "unfireable" as the first Black person to host the Golden Globes. "One minute you're making mint tea at home, the next minute you’re invited to be the Black face of an embattled organization. Life comes at you pretty fast, you know?"

Carmichael wrapped up by joking about taking the gig despite thinking nothing had changed at the HFPA, and giving a genuine moment of respectful admiration for the nominees: "This industry deserves nights like these."

Want to see who won the gold? Here's the list of Golden Globes nominees and winners.

A photo portrait of a journalist with blonde hair and a band t-shirt.
Shannon Connellan
UK Editor

Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Nikki Glaser's Golden Globes monologue brutally roasts both celebrities and the government
Nikki Glaser speaks onstage during the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. Overlaid quote: "The Golden Globes: without a doubt, the most important thing that's happening in the world right now."

'KPop Demon Hunters' wins best song at Golden Globes, Ejae gives moving speech
Ejae accepts award at Golden Globes.

Jessie Buckley's Golden Globes speech is a moving watch
Jessie Buckley at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton

Timothée Chalamet squeezes a great joke into his Golden Globes acceptance speech
A man stands on a stage holding an award, while two women stand off to one side. The caption at the bottom reads, "You're laughing, so I got away with that..."


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!