{"id":241758,"date":"2026-01-16T19:12:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/241758\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T19:12:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:12:08","slug":"ricky-gervais-sparks-frenzy-as-he-teases-awards-hosting-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/241758\/","title":{"rendered":"Ricky Gervais sparks frenzy as he teases awards hosting return"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ricky Gervais has hinted he could return to hosting major awards ceremonies, but only if three strict conditions are met.<\/p>\n

The British comedian, 64, famously hosted the Golden Globes five times between 2010 and 2020, with his appearances dividing critics while consistently drawing huge viewing figures.<\/p>\n

Mr Gervais\u2019 hosting style was renowned for pushing boundaries, prioritising entertainment for viewers at home over what he once described as \u201c200 privileged egos\u201d in the room.<\/p>\n

Over the years, he took aim at a string of high-profile celebrities, including Mel Gibson, Felicity Huffman, Charlie Sheen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim Allen, and James Corden.<\/p>\n

\"Ricky<\/p>\n

Ricky Gervais previously vowed never to return to the Golden Globes<\/p>\n

| GETTY<\/p>\n

While audiences at home largely embraced his sharp one-liners, not all A-listers were amused.<\/p>\n

Members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and publicists allegedly took offence to the jokes, accusing the organisation of corruption, branding them \u201cbelow the belt\u201d.<\/p>\n

The comedians’ 2016 and 2020 ceremonies proved particularly controversial due to jokes involving Caitlyn Jenner and transgender issues, prompting backlash from campaign groups and fellow comedians.<\/p>\n

Robert Downey Jr later remarked that comedy is \u201cbetter when you can do it without hurting people\u201d after Mr Gervais referenced his past substance abuse.<\/p>\n

\"Ricky<\/p>\n

The comedian has suggested three clauses that must be met for him to present the Oscars<\/p>\n

| PA<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Tom Hanks went viral for his visibly stunned reaction during the 2020 monologue. Others, however, appeared to relish the chaos.<\/p>\n

Al Pacino, Chris Evans, Robert De Niro, and Martin Scorsese were seen laughing during his final hosting stint, while Bruce Willis later praised him as a \u201cbrilliant comic\u201d despite being introduced as \u201cAshton Kutcher\u2019s dad\u201d.<\/p>\n

After his early ceremonies, Mr Gervais suggested he would not return, later writing that he had told his agent to never let him be persuaded.<\/p>\n

Before his fifth appearance, the actor confirmed it would be his final time, opening the show by telling viewers: \u201cYou\u2019ll be pleased to know this is the last time I\u2019m hosting these awards.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they give me $5 million, let me say what I want, and hold the ceremony in Hampstead.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 15, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

He doubled down in 2022, saying he had formally asked organisers not to approach him again, knowing he could still be tempted.<\/p>\n

As recently as late 2025, Mr Gervais appeared unmoved, replying bluntly \u201cNah, f*** that\u201d when asked online if he would host another awards show. <\/p>\n

Mr Gervais even skipped the 2026 Golden Globes altogether, despite winning Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance.<\/p>\n

However, the tone shifted this week when a fan asked on X when he might host the Oscars.<\/p>\n

\"Ricky<\/p>\n

Ricky Gervais and his wife, Jane Fallon<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

GETTY<\/p>\n

Mr Gervais rather cheekily replied: \u201cWhen they give me $5 million, let me say what I want, and hold the ceremony in Hampstead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fans were quick to join in, with several jokingly referencing his recent Instagram posts from his London tennis court, in which the comedian suggested he had forced his wife, Jane Fallon, to sweep snow off the court with a broom.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile playing tennis,\u201d one follower joked, as another chimed in: \u201cLive from a tennis court in north London\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Another fan responded to the post by saying: \u201cThat\u2019s the only way I\u2019d ever watch the Oscars.”<\/p>\n

\"Tom<\/p>\n

Tom Hank’s reaction to Mr Gervais’ jokes at the 2020 Golden Globes went viral online<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

CBS<\/p>\n

A separate user quipped: \u201cA job you can walk to, that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Others warned the comedian to steer clear of such hosting gigs altogether, with one penning: \u201cHe should never again. My take. That roast is still as alive as if it were yesterday. Leave them with that.\u201d (sic)<\/p>\n