Golden Globes 2011: Ricky Gervais’s Top 10 Zingers of the Night

When asked if he was planning to push the envelope as the host of tonight’s Golden Globe Awards, Ricky Gervais told Natalie Morales, “It depends on how drunk I am — I’ve got a few things that I might do. It depends how cruel I feel.” From the way things turned out, we’re guessing that he had a lot to drink over the next hour or so — quite possibly via an intravenous drip. Click through for 10 of the best zingers of the night, and be sure to add any that we missed in the comments.

1. “It’s going to be a night of partying and heaving drinking — or as Charlie Sheen calls it: breakfast.”

2. “Everything this year was three-dimensional, except the characters in The Tourist. I feel bad about that joke. I’m jumping on the bandwagon, because I haven’t even seen that movie. Who has?”

3. “Do you want to go see Cher? No. Why not? Because it’s not 1975.”

4. “There were a lot of big films that didn’t get nominated. Nothing for Sex and the City 2. I was sure the Golden Globes for special effects would go to the team that airbrushed that poster.”

5. “Also not nominated I Love You Phillip Morris. Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay. So, the complete opposite of some famous Scientologist… My lawyers helped me with the wording of that joke.”

6. “Our first presenter is beautiful, talented, and Jewish apparently. Mel Gibson told me that. He’s obsessed. Please welcome Scarlett Johansson.”

7. “Who are our next presenter from such films as Hudson Hawk, Look Who’s Talking, Mercury Rising, Color of Night, The Fifth Element, Hart’s War. Please welcome Aston Kutcher’s dad, Bruce Willis.”

8. “Next up, Eva Longoria has the daunting task of introducing the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press. That’s nothing, I had just had to help him off the toilet and pop his teeth in.”

9. “I love this next presenter; he’s so cool. He’s the star of Iron Man. Two Girls and a Guy. Wonderboys. I’m sorry are these porn films? Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Bowfinger? Up the Academy. Come on! He has done all of those films, but many of you in this room probably know him best from such facilities as The Betty Ford Clinic and the Los Angeles County Jail. Robert Downey, Jr.”

10. “And thank you to God. For making me an atheist.”

Update via The Daily What:

“Ricky will not be invited back to host the show next year, for sure. For sure any movie he makes he can forget about getting nominated. He humiliated the organization last night and went too far with several celebrities whose representatives have already called to complain.” — A Hollywood Foreign Press Association member, speaking anonymously with AOL’s PopEater.

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[...] Last month, you insulted all of Hollywood — and entertained all of America — with your scathing jokes at the Golden Globes. But, now that the Academy Awards are only a few days away, are you content to [...]

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Ricky Gervais the liberal humanist who exploits the mentally disabled and vulnerable for commercial and comedy purposes. He thanks God that he is an atheist. So do we.......

I'm a Brit and very familiar with Ricky Gervais' material (which I love when he's on form). I thought the show was pretty funny - sometimes very funny. Most of the humour is in the delivery and the timing. But to be super honest, this wasn't his best material. He can do better than this, be wittier. I have no real problem with the cruelty (most humour is at someone's expense), just that it wasn't as clever as he can be. Can't see how people can complain though. It's not as if he hasn't got form and it wasn't the first year he compered, so he must be a known quantity. Interestingly, he makes one joke about atheism and half the message board has kittens. No one mentioned his Scarlett Johanssen Jewish quip, which was perhaps closer to the bone. But then about a third of US citizens are purported to be creationists, so should this be a surprise? I suspect that plenty of the celebs can take a joke. Johnny Depp loves this stuff. Most of them know when they've made a crap film - but who care's when the pay check is that big? As for Robert Downey Jr - he was far more offensive in his remarks putting his ex-bedfellows on the spot - and not remotely funny either.

The older stars, i.e. Robert De Niro etc. loved it. This shows how real, credible actors who aren't up their own backside can poke fun at themselves and others. Why should Hollywood actors be seen as 'untouchable'?

I thought he was SOOOOOOOO FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!! There just jokes (which are true.) Whoever finds that affensive needs to get a life and get over themselves!!! Did i mention he was funny?????????????

I thought he was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! There just jokes (which are true.) Whoever finds that affensive needs to get a life and get over themselves!!!

First off. I am an American! That being said, I thought the performance was hilarious. His humor is perfect and I have become a huge fan. I am not an atheist nor am I a Jesus freak. I love comedy and he was great. I think so many people don't realize what an entertainer is!

I loved Gervais'comments! The stars can take it--or should be able to. Downey is so full of himself, it was about time somebody jabbed him. As for the rest, Gervais didn't go to the extremes I thought he would, although the only one who might have seriously objected to his commentary would've been Charley Sheen, who is a spoiled brat anyway. Otherwise, spot on, Ricky.

“And thank you to God. For making me an atheist.” How is that offensive? Really?

To all the People/Star/Us thumpers - Ricky didn't make fun of the celebs personally, he made fun of their choices/behavior. If they were offended, then they clearly have an inflated idea of self importance. British humor is much more sophisticated - and funny - than most of you laugh track-loving Americans will ever know. To all the Bible/Quran thumpers - It's all been said. Thanking your god for any superficial achievement us ridiculous. What is absolutely shameful is that all of you kind, loving-in-the-name-of-Jesus, Christians are so god-damned intolerant. Ricky killed ... And most of you ignorant respondents make me ashamed to be an American. And I want to thank your god for that!

Hey, @savedbyjesus; don't you be praying for me! Who knows what that desert demon you worship will come up with? I know, I know, it's silly because he doesn't really exist, but it's the thought that counts. Ricky is always funny, but if you run your life according to an iron age book of myths you're just not going to get it. Although that's funny too! If you don't like people laughing at your beliefs, stop having such funny beliefs!

this show was - and any award show is - sooooooo boring that they should not even be televised. unless someone goes there and makes fun of it all. that was Ricky Gervais. about HFPA: the "anonymous" someone made that official comment just to throw sand in the eyes of grumbling American hypocrites, pretending they care. just so you know: very properly they dont. :D "All in all the jokes are no worse than you see on late night TV daily. But if they’re in the room suddenly they’re not fair?" - someone wrote up there. this is the greatest comment this topic may have.

Ricky is always a fav for me. There is such a silly trend in the US of whining and "being offended". "Owie he make my poopie hurt he bad". Celebrity is one of the weirdest things we've created as humans. I'd suggest even a bit unethical. Making fun of them is the least we can do.

Fantastic job by Ricky, anyone offended by a guy saying "thanks god for making me an Atheist" needs to broaden their horizons

I watched purely for gervais, and he came through, especially his closing statement! Awards shows are so boring, thanks to him for making it entertaining!

Ricky Gervais was BRILLIANT! the only reason to watch these events...if he doesn't come back, neither would I....

are you people really in love with celebrities and hollywood that much, that you are offended by what a COMEDIAN says about them?

rickys fat, bloated. slightly stupid looking and doesnt age too well. hey but nobody get offended its all just good ol fun, and by the way im atheist too. i dont care about that. haha

Ricky cracked a few barely venemous jokes with the subjects in the room and suddenly it isn't funny anymore? I thought it was a stellar performance. I love these comments; especially the stuff about him being mean to a room full of self-inflaters - "what do you expect from an atheist". Absolute gold. There's no sport arguing with people on the internet anymore, everyone just pisses on their own chips.

i think its because asians have flawless features and no brows is why everyone kisses their butt. something to do with their charisma and good eye contact. thats why we buy all their crap and they get away with it. when one white person looks somewhat decent thinks they are superman and arent all that in the big world. i guarantee u ricky could get clowned on till he cried in certain crowds. so whatever people keep on hating.

i dont know what all these brainwashing crap about bringing the actors down to our level. the truth is he was hating on certain actors not just everyone, and hes just a nazi that thinks he knows everything. i guarantee you if a chinese or black person was up there such as denzel washington he would not have the balls to say crap. whoever said that japanese treat them down to their level is a bunch of bull. they treat everyone with more respect and probably act a hell of alot more proffesional. they are just more human with more charisma and dont act live stupid caveman and not hateful. whoever else likes him are just more nazis.

It's funny when people admit the big sky-daddy is just pretend. It's even funnier when believers howl in protest about it.

Really, folks? You're up in arms and offended by someone snarkily stating his own beliefs in a manner entirely apropos to the venue in which said beliefs are stated? Somehow, simply saying "I'm an atheist", which is all Ricky did, is now an insult to theists? So, does that mean that atheists are now allowed to consider the (endless, constant, superfluous) thanking God for a direct, disrespectful insult on their (lack of) belief? Not that the overwhelming majority of atheists are likely to take it that way, mind you, since they simply don't believe that thanking a concept/being that has, quite literally, no (non-anecdotal) evidence for its existence has any more merit than thanking the Tooth Fairy for winning the Oscar, or thanking an invisible pink unicorn for making sure the winning play went off without a hitch. The responses from those insulted by that simple, snarky, apropos, homage of a comment are simply remarkable to me. Does this mean if he'd thanked Allah, Zeus, Ra, Xenu, et al, that you'd likewise consider it a disrespectful insult? Or is it all good, so long as you believe in SOME sort of utterly (blind) faith-based conceptual being(s)? As for the actual jokes made at the expense of the actors? I'm pretty sure that is par for the course, and the Golden Globe people had to know that Gervaiss would (once again) engage in precisely that sort of wit and humor.

You crybaby wimps wailing over how "mean" Gervais was to these hideously overpaid, egomaniacal douche nozzles don't want to see what the Japanese do to their celebrities. Over there, they're treated like what they are: Servants to people's amusement. That's all these actors are--paid monkeys here to entertain us. It's time we started treating them like it, and get over this stupid worshipping and kow-towing of them. Good for Gervais for bringing these dolts down where they belonged--on the same level as us.

Ricky Gervais is a very funny guy. Stephen Merchant adds to his comedy too... Hope to see him do something new.

They set themselves up for that. He asked them when they hired him if he could say anything or if there were restrictions. Considering he's hosted before and they are familiar with his material; that was a major oversight on their part. I thought his jokes were funny and much more entertaining than the awkward ass-kissing humour we're used to with these events.

Ricky was hysterical..."Oh no! he made fun of the egos in an ego driven business!...especially in a show where Hollywood gives itself awards!" Those of you who freaked out over what he said, should get some fresh air and realize that there's a real world out there.

this really shows that the Brits and some Americans truly are polars apart in the human race...fortunately there are some out there who 'get it!' and for those up in arms about Ricky's final words... I'm thankful I live across the pond. The two most dangerous things to civilisation are politics and religion... thank you for demonstrating this.

You silly, funny, sad, humorless biblebashers. Please google "irony". And while you're at it try "reason". Remember: You are atheists too. I am sorry I couldn't see the show. I sure will see more of Rickys, though. Great end line. Best ever for an award show.

Why has the Atheist joke received so much attention. He's having a sarcastic dig at the stars who thank god for the award. Im not religious, but I think "God" would have better things to do than help movie stars become better actors so they can win a gong. What does your religion say about "Judge not.." uh Oh, looks like I am going to burn in hell... DeNiro and Baldwin looked like they enjoyed it. Funny stuff.

@Kate - there is no reason Ricky's atheist comment should have been censored. You are just afraid that people will realize atheists exist! I don't watch awards shows because of all the references to god. No god made these actors special or influenced the voters for the prize. Thank your parents, your friends, your teachers - they make you who you are. Not some invisible sky daddy. Maybe somebody should censor their thanks to god because they're pushing their religion down people's throats? I'll bet you disagree with that... PS - the Constitution makes no references to god or religion. At all. Read it.

"Fleet & Kindatiredofmorons, you are now both put into the same category as that guy Rick. :( You are sad, and not worth my time to give you a response." - Amy Stone me, you're just unbelievably stupid, Amy. That was a response, you moron.

Fleet & Kindatiredofmorons, you are now both put into the same category as that guy Rick. :( You are sad, and not worth my time to give you a response. Kate & Karla---you both Rock! I also agree and feel sorry for Rick. If anyone was a fan, I don't see how they could not agree that he won't be back next year. I think he lost the network lots of $$$$!

I can't take this anymore. "Thank God for making me an atheist." ~Ricky Gervais Perhaps the reason I *wish* I hadn't missed this. Ricky Gervais is absolutely brilliant. If you know *anything* about the man, you'll know he's more outspoken about atheism than freakin' Richard Dawkins! I think he's ripped on religion and religious ideals in nearly every stand-up show of his I've seen. In the British version of "The Office" (which truly is better, BTW), he's ripped on religion a few times. His podcast does... you would be amazed by how much he can find. Ricky could write a season's worth of stand-up based entirely and completely upon the inanity, stupidity, and idiocy of religion. As far as his celebrity-roasting... again, I missed it, but from what I'm reading here, sounds like he was up to his usual. THIS is Rick Gervais, folks. You really think that the mind behind "The Office", "The Ricky Gervais Show", and his upcoming Science Channel show "An Idiot Abroad" is some nice, lovey-dovey, good little Christian? Try learning a bit about British humor and Ricky Gervais. And BTW... if you think Ricky's bad, why not go find Tim Minchin on YouTube and look for songs of his like "Fuck the Pope", "Good Book", "Ten Foot Cock and a Few Hundred Virgins", "Storm", "If You Open Your Mind too Much Your Brain will Fall Out (Take My Wife)", "Song for Phil Daoust", "Prejudice", "I Love Jesus", "If I didn't Have You", "Angry (Feet)", "Peace Anthem For Palestine", and "White Wine in the Sun (A Christmas Song)". Trust me... Ricky Gervais is meek in comparison. And he's no different than most other British(and Australian) comedians. Hell... even George Carlin was meaner... *especially* about religion. So get over yourselves... and pass that message along to this "anonymous"(=coward) spokesperson and the celebrities who got their panties in a twist. Humorless morons... BTW... how can I see this since I missed it?

Fleet and Kindatiredofmorons you are in the same category as Rick---- :( You both are not worth anyone's for a response. You are sad. Kate & Karla you both rule! I agree, I too feel sorry for Rick.

If they don't bring Gervais back for hosting duties next year, it's not as if they didn't know what would happen. During the last 2 weeks leading up to the Golden Globes, the network aired a commercial "warning" folks about Gervais upcoming hosting of the vent. They were using his 'obnoxiousness' to sell the event. Of course, as with anyone who signs up Sarah Silverman, you can't hire that person expecting something different than what you've already seen happen. Wouldn't that be hypocritical or stupid?

I didn't think Ricky Gervais was rude, offensive or shocking. Nor did I find him edgy. Or original. Or funny.

Karla wrote: "Most of all, his last comment thanking God for him being an Athiest was just insulting and stupid. It’s obviously a contradiction in itself and caused him to lose many prior Ricky Gervais fans." 1. "It’s obviously a contradiction in itself..." Yes moron, that is pretty much the definition of a joke. He's a comedian. That's what they do. 2. "caused him to lose many prior Ricky Gervais fans." How do you know that? Was there a poll concerning this matter? And if by fans you mean people who watch his material, how did they not know what his stance on religion was? 3. "his last comment thanking God for him being an Athiest was just insulting and stupid." You know what I think is insulting and stupid? If a grown man or woman gets up on stage and thanks god for their achievement. They really think that an omnipotent, world-creating, fate-shaping being manipulated the strings of reality so that they achieve their own personal goals!? ... Pathetic. By the way, maybe you should revisit that feeling of being insulted by things that challenge your views. Maybe it's just an immune reaction to rational thought

This is the first year I missed the awarda because I thought it would be boring. Now I wish I had seen it. I think slamming the stars is hilarious! If you can't take a joke then get out of the business. You will always be a verbal target as long as your famous. Nice going Ricky!

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  1. [...] Flavorwire has put together the top 10 Gervais zingers of the night here. [...]

  2. [...] Also, check out this rundown of Ricky Gervais top 10 jokes at the Golden Globes [...]

  3. [...] Top 10 Ricky Gervais Golden Globes Jokes (via FlavorWire) [...]

  4. [...] Gervais’s boundary-pushing zingers weren’t the only shocking part of last night’s Golden Globes ceremony; we were also [...]

  5. [...] Top 10 Ricky Gervais Golden Globes Jokes (via FlavorWire) [...]

  6. [...] Sunday night and I am guessing next year’s awards will not be featuring him. Firstly he pulled no punches while roasting some of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest throughout the show including [...]

  7. [...] the envelope (haha) a little bit too far. My favorite zinger (from reading Flavorwire’s article): “Who are our next presenter from such films as Hudson Hawk, Look Who’s Talking, Mercury [...]

  8. [...] they be upstaged by the Golden Globes — which earned stellar ratings last month, probably due Ricky Gervais’s “Who will he offend next?” hosting style. But the Oscars have plenty of opportunities to maintain their relevance, with Hollywood’s [...]

  9. [...] Last month, you insulted all of Hollywood — and entertained all of America — with your scathing jokes at the Golden Globes. But, now that the Academy Awards are only a few days away, are you content to [...]