Wanda Sykes made headlines at the recent Golden Globe Awards by acknowledging both God and the transgender community during her acceptance speech. She represented Ricky Gervais, who won the award for Best Stand-Up Comedy for his special “Mortality.” This event took place on a Sunday evening, where Sykes, aged 61, humorously thanked the ceremony for inviting her, saying it may upset “some people” that a queer, Black woman was doing the job typically reserved for “two mediocre white guys.”
Wanda Sykes Honors the Trans Community
Before announcing Gervais as the winner, Sykes expressed gratitude to him for not attending the event. She joked, “If you win, I get to accept the award on your behalf,” adding, “and you’re going to thank God and the trans community.” This moment emphasized her commitment to inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.
The Golden Globe Triumph
Ricky Gervais’s special “Mortality” was released in December and garnered critical acclaim, particularly after prior controversies surrounding jokes he made about the transgender community in his 2022 Netflix special, “SuperNature.” His comments had received backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy organization GLAAD, which labeled them as “dangerous, anti-trans rants.” In response to the controversies, Gervais defended his comedic approach, asserting that comedy should challenge audiences and address taboo subjects.
Gervais’s Golden Globe Legacy
This Golden Globe win marked the third for Gervais, following victories in 2004 for “The Office” and in 2024 for his stand-up special “Armageddon.” His insight into the nature of comedy highlights the ongoing discussions around free speech and sensitivity within the industry.
Other Golden Globe Winners
The event celebrated a range of talent, with notable awards going to:
- Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme”
- Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
- Noah Wyle for “The Pitt” on HBO Max
- Rhea Seehorn for “Pluribus” on Apple TV+
- Jean Smart for “Hacks” on HBO Max
- Seth Rogen for “The Studio” on Apple TV+
“One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, won Best Musical or Comedy, while Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of “Hamnet” took home the award for Best Motion Drama. This year’s Golden Globes not only recognized outstanding performances but also addressed significant social issues highlighted through the speeches and presentations.
