Golden Globes 2020: Ricky Gervais to host for record fifth time

Ricky Gervais will return to host the Golden Globes for a record fifth time in 2020, it has been confirmed.

Gervais previously hosted the annual ceremony in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016, becoming notorious in the process for mocking celebrities including Mel Gibson, Johnny Depp and Caitlyn Jenner.

In a statement, the comedian said that next year’s ceremony will mark his last as the event’s emcee.

“Once again, they’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse,” he said. “But this is the very last time I’m doing this, which could make for a fun evening.”

NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy added: “There is always a palpable electricity in the room when Ricky takes the Globes stage. His return as master of ceremonies at the Golden Globes is much anticipated.

“It is sure to make for an unexpected evening. We can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve.”

Gervais follows in the footsteps of this year’s hosts Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg, who were met with a middling critical reception.

Variety noted that the pair offered “pleasant compliments delivered with the cadence of cruel burns”, adding: “It was a long way from the vitriol of infamous past host Ricky Gervais… As an impulse, niceness is, well, nice. But as a comic angle, it’s limited.”

Other recent Globes hosts have included Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and the comedy duo Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who hosted the event from 2013 until 2015.

The 77th Golden Globe Awards will take place on 5 January, 2020.