Ricky Gervais’ most ‘offensive’ Golden Globes jokes

HE’S the master of the witty one-liner who this year is set to host the Golden Globes for the fourth time. Here are his best jokes from his previous efforts.

In this image released by NBC, host Ricky Gervais speaks during the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, Californi...

HE’S the three-time Golden Globes host whose jokes were branded “offensive” and “controversial”, but Ricky Gervais still can’t understand what all the fuss was about.

“That stuff I did, I was shocked that people thought that was shocking,” said Gervais who hosted the awards show between 2010 to 2012.

“I thought, what have I said wrong? I didn’t say anything outrageous or libellous. I didn’t say anything against broadcasting rules. It was on network television, late afternoon, it couldn’t have been that bad.”

The British comedian is back for his fourth crack at hosting the Golden Globes on January 11, and he told The Hollywood Reporter that his jokes aren’t designed to offend people, they’re purely to entertain the viewers.

“I made the decision: Do I pander to 200 fragile egos in the room or 200 million people watching at home?” said The Office star.

“There’s nothing in it for the people watching at home. They’re not winning awards. It’s not a spectator sport watching other people win awards, so I tried to make it one.”

He does have a line though, and revealed that he often ditches jokes because he “can’t justify it morally”.

“Often there’s collateral damage,” he said to THR.

“I probably wouldn’t have a go at someone’s affair if their partner was still there — you know, it’s not their fault. That’s collateral damage for me.”

Before he fronts the Globes audience again, we thought we’d take a look back at his 10 best jokes so far:

“Looking at all the wonderful faces here today reminds me of the great work that’s been done this year … by cosmetic surgeons.”

“For any of you who don’t know, the Golden Globes are just like the Oscars, but without all that esteem. The Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton. A bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker, and more easily bought. Allegedly. Nothing’s been proved.”

“Actors aren’t just loved here in Hollywood, they are loved the world over. You could be in the third world and get a glimpse of a Hollywood star and it could make you feel a little bit better. You could be a little Asian child with no possessions and no money. But you could see a picture of Angelina Jolie and you’d think, ‘Mummy!’”

“I hope I haven’t offended anyone. It’s not my fault. I like a drink as much as the next man. Unless the next man is Mel Gibson.”

About the movie, I Love You Phillip Morris: “Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay. So the complete opposite of some famous Scientologists, then. My lawyers helped with that joke.”

About Bridesmaids star Melissa McCarthy: “She made her mark in comedy this summer by defecating into a sink. Amazingly, that’s still less demeaning than what most of you have done to make it in show business.”

About Tom Hanks and Tim Allen: “What can I say about our next two presenters? The first is an actor, producer, writer and director whose movies have grossed over $3.5 billion at the box office. He’s won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes for his powerful and varied performances starring in such films as Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Castaway, Apollo 13 and Saving Private Ryan. The other is Tim Allen.”

“It’s going to be a night of partying and heavy drinking, or as Charlie Sheen calls it: Breakfast.”

“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.”

“Last year, our next presenter won both the Golden Globe and the Oscar for her work in Black Swan. This year, she took some time out to have a baby. Consequently, she’s been nominated for nothing. Really pathetic. But she learned that valuable lesson you all already knew — never put family first. Please welcome the very foolish Natalie Portman.”

The Golden Globes will air at 12pm AEDT on Monday, January 11 on FOX8.

Originally published as Ricky Gervais’ most ‘offensive’ Golden Globes jokes