The funniest Golden Globe acceptance speeches are moments that light up the room and ripple across the internet. Hollywood’s biggest stars, under the glare of cameras and the influence of champagne, deliver zingers, gaffes, and heartfelt hilarity that make us laugh for years to come. These speeches transcend the glitz and glamor, reminding us that even the most polished stars can let their hair down.
The Golden Globes are known for their loose and unpredictable vibe. Winners often take full advantage of the opportunity to crack jokes, poke fun at themselves, or riff on the absurdity of showbiz. While the Oscars may demand solemnity, the Globes encourage levity. And when a star’s name is called, magic often happens.
From heartfelt self-deprecation to irreverent digs at Hollywood itself, the best acceptance speeches become viral sensations. They’re the moments we replay on YouTube, share on social media, and quote in conversation. Here are 11 of the funniest Golden Globe Award acceptance speeches that have left us doubled over in laughter and reminded us why we love live awards shows.
1. Robin Williams – A Masterclass in Improvisation
When Robin Williams accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005, he turned the moment into an impromptu comedy set. Switching effortlessly between accents, impressions, and witty one-liners, he had the audience in stitches.
He joked about everything from the Globes’ infamous open bar to his own career highs and lows. “I’d like to thank my psychiatrist and my bartender,” he quipped, pausing just long enough for the laughter to crescendo. Williams turned what could have been a dry tribute into a masterclass in comedic timing.
2. Jennifer Lawrence – “I Beat Meryl!”
Jennifer Lawrence’s 2013 speech for Silver Linings Playbook became an instant classic. Walking onstage, she opened with, “What does it say? I beat Meryl!” referencing a line from First Wives Club.
The room erupted in laughter, but some viewers missed the joke and thought she was genuinely shading Meryl Streep. Lawrence’s mix of confidence and self-deprecating humor carried the rest of her speech. It was a perfect encapsulation of her offbeat charm.
3. Jim Carrey – Existential Comedy Gold
In 2016, Jim Carrey presented the award for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. But before that, he gave what felt like an acceptance speech for the “role” of being Jim Carrey.
“As a two-time Golden Globe winner,” he began, “I’ve often dreamed of being three-time Golden Globe-winning actor Jim Carrey. Because then I would be enough.”
His deadpan delivery and philosophical undertones had the crowd roaring. Carrey’s ability to blend humor with existential musings turned the moment into comedic gold.
4. Tom Hanks – The Charming Everyman
When Tom Hanks accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2020, he combined heartfelt gratitude with his signature charm. Fighting back tears, he joked about his kids calling him out for crying during family events.
“A man is blessed with a family sitting down front like that,” he said, before quipping, “except when they make me look bad in public.” Hanks’ ability to balance sincerity with humor left the audience both laughing and misty-eyed. It was a masterclass in being relatable, even as Hollywood royalty.
5. Amy Poehler – Winning While Hosting
Amy Poehler’s win for Parks and Recreation in 2014 was the cherry on top of her night co-hosting the ceremony with Tina Fey.
After her name was called, she dramatically made out with Bono before heading to the stage. Once there, she joked, “I’ve never won an award before, so I’ll just keep it short and sweet. This is so much better than sitting at home watching this on television.” Poehler’s comedic instincts turned her victory into a perfectly executed bit.
6. Ricky Gervais – Roasting Himself
Known for hosting the Globes with biting humor, Ricky Gervais was just as funny when accepting the Best Actor award for The Office in 2004. He said, “I’d like to thank God. I’m joking, of course. I don’t believe in him. I believe in the devil, and that’s who made this happen.”
His ability to mock himself while simultaneously skewering awards show tropes made the moment pure Ricky.
7. Steve Carell – A Hilarious Tribute
In 2006, Steve Carell accepted his award for The Office with a prepared speech he claimed his wife had written. He read it word for word, thanking her for being “an angel” and for all the sacrifices she made for his career, including “editing this speech.”
The deadpan delivery, combined with the over-the-top praise, left the audience in stitches. Carell’s knack for understated humor turned the moment into a classic example of his comedic brilliance.
8. Sacha Baron Cohen – Pushing the Limits
In 2007, Sacha Baron Cohen’s speech for Borat was equal parts outrageous and hilarious. He thanked his co-star Ken Davitian for enduring a particularly revealing scene, saying, “When I saw your two golden Globes on my chin, I thought, ‘I better win one of my own.’”
The audience roared with laughter, though some gasped at his audacity. Cohen’s fearless humor stole the show.
9. Kate Winslet – Overwhelmed and Hilarious
When Kate Winslet won in 2009 for Revolutionary Road, her speech started with overwhelming emotion but quickly veered into humor.
“Gather,” she said to herself, before launching into a hilarious riff on how she never thought she’d win. Winslet’s mix of raw honesty and comic relief endeared her to everyone watching.
10. Tina Fey – The Perfect Thank-You
When Tina Fey won for 30 Rock in 2009, she used her time to thank… internet trolls. She called out specific screen names like “matt123” and “BabsonLaCrosse” who had criticized her online, adding, “This is for you.”
The audience erupted, proving Fey’s sharp wit could turn even online negativity into a joke.
11. Jack Nicholson – Breaking the Rules
Jack Nicholson’s 2003 speech for About Schmidt was as unpredictable as you’d expect. He admitted to taking a Valium before the ceremony, then launched into a meandering yet hilarious monologue.
“I don’t know whether to be happy or ashamed,” he said, before cracking jokes about his own career. Nicholson’s irreverence made for a classic Golden Globes moment.
The funniest Golden Globe Award acceptance speeches remind us why we tune in year after year. These unscripted, unfiltered moments bring humanity and humor to an otherwise polished production. They’re the antidote to the seriousness of awards season, a reminder that even Hollywood royalty loves to laugh.
Whether it’s Robin Williams’ rapid-fire wit or Jennifer Lawrence’s goofy charm, these speeches stay with us. They bring joy and laughter, proving that humor has no boundaries, not even under the glare of a spotlight. Next time the Globes roll around, we’ll be watching—and hoping for another gem to add to the list.
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