Bill Maher expressed frustration over his loss at the Golden Globes, where he was nominated for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. In the ceremony held on January 5, 2024, Maher lost to fellow comedian Ricky Gervais, who is known for his outspoken views against political correctness. Maher suggested that his nomination might indicate a shift away from what he refers to as “wokeness” in the entertainment industry.
On the latest episode of his Club Random podcast, Maher lamented that he used to receive numerous nominations before what he termed the “wokeness” era emerged. He remarked, “This is the first time in a while I’ve been nominated for something, which I think shows a little bit that we are coming out of the wokeness.” Despite his loss, Maher viewed the nomination itself as a positive sign, asserting that it acknowledged the quality of his work.
The inaugural podcast category at the Golden Globes saw Amy Poehler win for her show Good Hang, which Maher criticized, suggesting that the nominees were overwhelmingly “super woke.” Other nominees included popular shows such as Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard and Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper.
Before announcing the comedy category winner, presenter Wanda Sykes made a quip about Maher, indicating she would like to see “a little less” of him, a comment that appeared to unsettle Maher based on his facial expression. He has not publicly addressed Sykes’ remark.
Following the ceremony, Maher noted that his topical show, which aims to appeal to various political viewpoints, was renewed by HBO for two additional seasons, highlighting ongoing support for his brand of comedy. He contended that the entertainment industry has shifted significantly, suggesting that his views have been unfairly labeled as conservative.
Reflecting on the nomination process, Maher echoed sentiments voiced by conservative pundit Megyn Kelly, who criticized the decision to award Poehler over other more established figures. “It was glaring that Joe Rogan was not nominated,” he said, pointing out the popularity and recognition of Rogan’s podcast.
Despite the loss, Maher maintained a confident stance regarding his own performance, stating, “I take it as a victory that they were not able to ignore how good that special was.” He believes that the laughter elicited from his work demonstrates its comedic value, particularly in relation to recent events he deems absurd.
“The left did a lot more stupid things in the last five to 10 years,” Maher declared. “And I’m a comedian. I go where the gold is.” His remarks highlight a broader conversation about the intersection of comedy, social commentary, and the evolving standards within the entertainment industry.
