Nikki Glaser Wins Over Critics With her “Slayed It” Golden Globes Hosting Debut
Producing an awards show is no easy feat. Balancing the prestige of the awards themselves with the need to create an engaging and entertaining experience for viewers at home is a tightrope walk.
For the 2024 Golden Globes, veteran production duo Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss returned to helm the CBS broadcast, guiding first-time host nikki Glaser through the whirlwind of the Beverly Hilton and delivering a night of accomplished entertainment.
Behind the Scenes: A Recipe for Success
The morning after the show, Kirshner and Weiss reflected on Glaser’s performance and the key ingredients that contributed to her success.
“My first thought is,damn,I wish I could have slept longer,” Weiss confessed with a laugh. “Now, look, I am so proud and happy of Nikki Glaser as a host. I think she absolutely came in with a mission, and she successfully did that mission. But I have to say it was a lot of hard work and understanding what the role was,and she did her homework,she came in,and in my opinion,she slayed it.”
Kirshner echoed Weiss’s sentiment, highlighting the unique demands of hosting the Golden globes.
“The Globes is a little bit unique amongst the award shows as it’s so focused on the host, because there’s not a lot of performances and other things to talk about. So the host has to come out and nail the monologue, she really did, but it was also as she put in the work. I mean, she was doing four or five shows a night for three weeks. that’s really putting in the work to shine. So kudos to her, because it all paid off.”
Glaser’s Winning Formula: Planning Meets Improvisation
Both producers agreed that Glaser’s commitment to preparation was a key factor in her success. “Hard work, putting in the work is very crucial,” Kirshner emphasized. Glaser honed her material by performing countless sets in comedy clubs across Los Angeles and other cities, testing jokes and refining her delivery.
“She tested out a lot of the jokes and knew what worked and what didn’t work, and her team went to her and said, ‘oh, that joke will work here, or won’t, or maybe it’s too inside, onyl the people in the room will get it, that people at home won’t get it.’ And honed it down to the ones that work, and that’s why she did a great job, and then she hit us with a couple of curveballs along the way, but that was fine, too.”
One such curveball was Glaser’s “pope-ular” bit, where she donned a pope hat and witch’s staff before abruptly deciding the bit “sucked” after a faux phone call. The unexpected twist took the audience by surprise and demonstrated Glaser’s ability to improvise and keep the energy high.
“It was very clever, and that is exactly her,” Weiss remarked.”As Ricky said, she prepared and did the sets
Golden Globes 2023: Bringing the Party Atmosphere Home
The 80th Golden Globe Awards marked a return to their signature celebratory atmosphere, and the production team, lead by executive producer Jesse Collins and showrunner Jeanna Kirshner, aimed to capture that energy for viewers at home. One key element was emphasizing the unique setting – a sprawling ballroom filled with nominees, presenters, and industry insiders rather than a traditional theater.
Creating a Sense of Intimacy
“The Globes have always felt like a party,” notes Kirshner, “and this year, we really wanted to bring that sense of intimacy home to the viewers. It’s not just about the winners on stage; it’s about the interactions and connections between everyone in the room.
That mingling,the shared laughter,the sense of being surrounded by your peers – that’s what makes the Globes unique.”
Highlighting the Room’s Energy
To enhance this feeling, the production team incorporated innovative visual elements. During the declaration of nominees, viewers were treated to virtual pins dropping on a map of the ballroom, showcasing the nominees’ locations and the paths they would take to the stage. “This added value for the viewer without taking time away from the show,” explains Weiss.
“People often comment on the walk-ups at the Globes, and this allowed them to truly understand the geography of the room and feel like they were right there in the action.”
Adding a Personal Touch
Adding to the sense of immediacy, announcer Kevin Frazier delivered fun facts and anecdotes as nominees made their way to the stage. This spontaneous commentary further underscored the lively, unscripted nature of the event.
“The Globes have always been less formal than other award shows,” observes Kirshner. “It’s a night for celebration, and we wanted to capture that energy and bring it to viewers around the world.”
Looking Ahead
As the team reflects on the success of the 80th golden Globes, they are already considering which elements to incorporate in future ceremonies. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and enhance the viewing experience,” says Kirshner. “The goal is to keep that party atmosphere alive and make the audience feel like they’re part of the celebration.”
Behind the scenes at the Golden Globes: A Look at the Live Production
The Golden Globe Awards are known for their glamorous atmosphere and unpredictable moments. but behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to bring the excitement of the event directly to viewers. Recent interviews with key production members, including Executive Producer Jesse Kirshner and Producer Helen Weiss, shed light on the challenges and triumphs of producing a live, television spectacle like the Golden Globes.
Navigating the Unexpected: Live TV and Spontaneity
One of the biggest challenges of live television is the element of surprise. As Weiss explains, “As Glenn’s the director, he can tell you about camera shots, but there are many times where, like, when Vin walks out and says, ‘hey, Dwayne,’ it’s not hoping, because I know Glenn will have a camera on Dwayne, but you’re just like, ‘oh, I hope we get that shot and and he does.’”
The success of capturing these unscripted moments relies heavily on the skilled camera team and their ability to anticipate and react in real time. Kirshner emphasizes the team’s quick thinking, stating, ”So it’s also a testament to our camera team, who’s always ready.”
weiss adds, “I’m glad that you said from your from your perception that the shot was right there. It wasn’t, but our camera team, you know, is that quick and responsive that by the time we it all registered that he’s talking to him, the camera was repositioned, and we were able to get the shot.And it is a testament to having an ace team on this.”
Embracing the Social Media Buzz: A Show for Everyone
The Golden globes have become a major talking point on social media, with viewers commenting on everything from Zendaya’s engagement ring to Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s interaction. Weiss acknowledges the importance of this online conversation, saying:
“At least in my mind, this is how the Globes are a different kind of show than some of the other award shows, where we’re in this party atmosphere. On pre-show,everyone is up and mingling,and there’s some really great interactions that we try to capture as much as we can,and play them in bumpers when we’re going to commercial.”
This approach to capturing the social buzz underscores the show’s commitment to reflecting the real-time reactions and conversations surrounding the event.
A Unique Presentation: Putting the Spotlight on the Presenters
A notable visual element of the Golden Globe Awards was the presenters’ unique presentation style. Rather of the traditional setup, they addressed the camera directly with the award show audience behind them, offering a more intimate and engaging experience for viewers.
The choice to frame the presenters this way allowed viewers to feel more connected to the awards ceremony, creating a sense of immediacy and excitement that reflected the dynamic atmosphere of the event.
Creating an Immersive Party Atmosphere: Behind the Scenes of a Live Show
There’s a palpable shift happening in the world of live entertainment,and it’s all about blurring the lines between performer and audience. Gone are the days of the rigid proscenium arch separating the stage from the spectators.
Imagine stepping into a vibrant party where the energy is infectious and you’re right in the heart of the action. That’s the experience visionary producer Weiss is striving to create.
Breaking Down the Barriers
“We’re really trying to take this show into a space where it feels like a genuine party atmosphere,” Weiss explains. Instead of the traditional divide between stage and audience, the goal is to create a seamless blend, inviting viewers at home to feel like they’re immersed in the excitement.
Think of it less like watching a performance from afar and more like being invited to a dynamic gathering. Instead of distant shots reminiscent of a football game, cameras capture the energy up close, putting viewers right in the middle of the celebration.
An Industry Touch: The Scoreboard Debate
Observant viewers might notice a unique element during the show – a studio scoreboard keeping track of the studio’s wins.While this detail might resonate deeply with industry insiders, Weiss acknowledges its targeted appeal.
“It’s definitely more of an industry thing,” he admits. “While it might be fitting for those in the know, it’s perhaps not as universally accessible to a broader audience.”
This thoughtful consideration highlights the delicate balancing act of catering to different audiences while maintaining the integrity of the show’s vision.
how did the production team leverage real-time social media feedback to enhance the Golden Globes experience?
G point on social media, with viewers eagerly sharing their favorite moments, reactions, and memes in real-time. This year,the production team made a conscious effort to embrace the social media buzz and create a show that resonated with both the live audience and viewers at home.
Engaging the Online Audience
“Social media has become such a huge part of how people experience award shows,” says Kirshner. “We wanted to make sure that we were creating moments that would not only play well in the room but also generate conversation online.”
To achieve this, the team incorporated elements that were designed to be shareable, such as Glaser’s “pope-ular” bit and other unexpected comedic moments. “We knew that these moments would likely go viral, and we wanted to lean into that,” adds Weiss. “It’s all about creating a show that feels alive and dynamic, both in the room and on social media.”
real-Time Reactions and Fan engagement
The production team also paid close attention to real-time reactions from fans on social media, using the feedback to adjust the show as it unfolded. “We have a team that monitors social media throughout the broadcast,” explains Kirshner. “If we see that a particular moment is resonating with viewers, we might decide to highlight it more or give it extra attention in the show.”
This approach not only helped to keep the show fresh and engaging but also allowed the team to connect with the audience in a more meaningful way. “It’s about creating a dialogue with the viewers,” says Weiss. “We want them to feel like they’re part of the experience, not just passive observers.”
Looking to the Future
As the Golden Globes continue to evolve, the production team is already thinking about how to further integrate social media and fan engagement into future broadcasts. “We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and keep the show relevant,” says Kirshner. “Social media is a big part of that, and we’re excited to explore new ways to connect with our audience.”
Weiss agrees, adding, “The goal is to create a show that feels like a celebration for everyone, whether they’re in the room or watching from home. We want to keep pushing the boundaries and finding new ways to make the Golden Globes a must-watch event.”
Conclusion
The 80th Golden Globe Awards were a testament to the power of preparation, improvisation, and innovation. From Nikki Glaser’s standout hosting performance to the production team’s efforts to capture the energy of the room and engage with viewers on social media, the event showcased the best of what live television can offer.
As the team reflects on the success of this year’s show, they are already looking ahead to future ceremonies, with a focus on continuing to innovate and create a show that resonates with audiences around the world. “The Golden Globes are all about celebration, and we want to keep that spirit alive,” says Kirshner.”We’re excited to see where we can take it next.”
