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Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes paycheque has reignited the age-old issue of the gender pay gap. When will talented women be adequately rewarded for their work in a relentlessly unappreciative industry?
The Golden Globes kicked off 2025’s awards season with a milk-glass-full of memorable moments. And if you didn’t get that Babygirl reference, then I assume you don’t care enough about the Hollywood news cycle to sacrifice over four hours (if you include red carpet coverage) of your Sunday evening indulging in it.
But like me, many did. And thanks to host Nikki Glaser, what is often a long and at times exhausting carousel of Lala Land’s greatest offerings was a truly enjoyable watch.
Glaser had what is largely considered the relatively thankless job of keeping everyone entertained between acceptance speeches.
She successfully hit all the beats and then some, holding space for recent viral moments, and poking fun at the world’s biggest actors without being cruel – a truly difficult balance.
Like some of the night’s most surprising wins, such as Demi Moore taking home her first acting award in a 45 year career, Glaser made history herself. She was the first solo female to host the Golden Globes. And when the carpet was rolled away and the Moet was empty, critics all agree she smashed it.
So it came as a surprise when Glaser revealed a few days later that her paycheque had been lower than that of previous male hosts.
Speaking to Howard Stern on SiriusXM radio show, Glaser admitted that she had taken home around less than her predecessor.
‘There was a past host who said how much he got paid in his monologue and I got less than that, but that’s OK. I’ll get more next year.’
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She seemed to be referring to 2023 host Jerrod Carmichael, who revealed he was paid $500k in his opening monologue.
But Glaser was understanding of the decision, saying she ‘honestly would’ve done it for free.’
‘It’s such an insane platform to be on. It’s not about the money for me.’
Regardless, Glaser’s comments have sparked a familiar debate around the gender pay gap, a problem that persists in all aspects of life, but is particularly prominent in the entertainment industry.
Social media users have supported Glaser in droves, with one congratulating her for being so open.
‘Pay women! Being a good comedian doesn’t always translate to being a good host. She was FANTASTIC. And I promise she will be collecting the money they didn’t pay her with interest next time’ said one user.
Others, however, were less understanding. Some have criticised Glaser for raising the issue at all, suggesting it proves she ‘does have an issue’ with it despite claiming not to.
The hyper analysis of her comments is a common experience for women in the public eye. Male hosts are applauded for their candor when discussing contracts or payment disparities, often being lauded as savvy negotiators or trailblazers for transparency.
Women, on the other hand, can face accusations of ingratitude or self-centeredness for voicing similar concerns.
What’s particularly riled people up about Glaser’s experience is that her performance at the Golden Globes wasn’t just serviceable – it was exceptional.
The debate around Glaser’s pay also reignites conversations about the value of visibility versus financial equity.
Yes, hosting the Golden Globes is an unparalleled platform—one that opens doors to future opportunities and cements a performer’s place in Hollywood history. But the notion that this visibility should come at the expense of fair pay feels archaic.
Women shouldn’t be grateful for any seat at the table, especially if it’s one they’ve had to pull up themselves.
The entertainment world has a big issue with bridging the gender pay gap. From Jennifer Lawrence speaking out about earning significantly less than her co-stars in American Hustle, to Michelle Williams being paid a fraction of Mark Wahlberg’s salary for reshoots of All the Money in the World, the issue persists.
The fallout of Glaser’s comments is a microcosm of this much larger issue, and the ways in it often forces women to choose being honest and being ‘likeable’. In the sense that she may have risked a future stab at the job, Glaser’s candidness is commendable. But we shouldn’t shower praise on people for asking the bare minimum.
Whether it’s tech, finance, healthcare, or education, the gender pay gap remains a pervasive issue that undermines progress and perpetuates inequality.
Glaser, for her part, seems poised to continue breaking barriers. Whether or not she returns to host the Golden Globes, her performance this year has already set a new standard.
So to echo the words of her online fans, I’m sure she’ll collect what she’s owed – and then some – the next time around.
