Preeminent comedian Jo Koy has been set to host the 81st Golden Globe Awards, in what will be his first outing in that capacity at a major awards show.
He comes to the role of Globes host after breaking sales records on his “Funny Is Funny World Tour,” which came in as one of the highest-grossing of the year according to Pollstar, at a gross of $29.4 million for 88 performances in arenas and theaters around the world.
While the Golden Globes are almost always hosted by comedians these days, the introduction of Koy to the stage is particularly appropriate in a year that’s seen the ceremony introduce a category recognizing Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television, alongside one for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. Inaugural nominees in the former include Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, Trevor Noah, Sarah Silverman, Ricky Gervais and Amy Schumer.
This year’s Golden Globes Awards is set to air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, January 7th at 5 p.m. PT. While Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers will have access to the three-hour broadcast via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand, Paramount+ Essential subscribers will have to access it on-demand the day after it airs.
“I’ve stepped onto a lot of stages around the world in my career, but this one is going to be extra special. I’m so excited to be hosting the Golden Globes this year,” said Koy. “This is that moment where I get to make my Filipino family proud. Mahal Kita (Google it)!”
Stated Golden Globes President Helen Hoehne, “We are thrilled to have Jo host the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards and bring his infectious energy and relatable humor to kick off Hollywood’s award season. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for the stars in the room and a global audience. We know Jo is bringing his A-game.”
Added showrunner-EPs Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, “Jo’s genuine brand of comedy is sure to entertain our honorees in the room at the Beverly Hilton and viewers at home. We are excited to work with him to make this year’s show laugh-out-loud from beginning to end.”
Regularly selling out arenas around the world with an act often highlighting memorable family interactions, Koy has been working as a comic for nearly 30 years. Previously, he’s released five top-rated specials via Comedy Central and Netflix, having brought his most recent, Jo Koy: Live from the Los Angeles Forum, to the latter in 2022. Koy is also well known for bolstering up-and-comers around him, having most notably done so with the 2020 Netflix special Jo Koy: In His Elements, featuring a roster of Filipino American talent.
Last year, Koy got his first chance to headline a major motion picture with Easter Sunday, a Uni comedy based on his personal experiences and stand-up. He’s also been seen in Disney’s Haunted Mansion, voicing the role of Bendo in Netflix’s The Monkey King, and will next be heard in the Paramount+ pic Tiger’s Apprentice, premiering February 2nd.
Weiss and Kirshner are exec producing this year’s Golden Globes for White Cherry Entertainment, with Weiss also set to direct. Additional EPs include Barry Adelman and Hoehne. Dick Clark Productions plans, hosts and produces the annual ceremony, viewed in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
