His risqué jokes during the Golden Globes generated as many column inches as the award winners themselves.But could Ricky Gervais have blown his chances of hosting the ceremony for a third year in a row?
The Reading-born funnyman said himself that he had not been asked back after the show. "That’s ominous, isn't it? So I probably won't be here next year." However, he also put paid to reports he had been told off during the show – during a long gap when he was absent from the screen. "I did every single introduction I was meant to. There just happened to be a long gap," Ricky told the New York Daily News in an email. "This is because I was allowed to choose who I would introduce in advance. I obviously chose presenters who I had the best jokes for. (And who I knew had a good sense of humour). "Everyone took it well and the atmosphere backstage and at the after show was great." Ricky's close to the bone quips poked fun at almost everyone in the film industry. But it seems most attendees saw the funny side. Johnny Depp was filmed chuckling after Ricky's comments about his film The Tourist: "Seems like everything this year was three-dimensional. Except the characters in The Tourist." "I tell you what, I’m jumping on the bandwagon, because I haven't even seen The Tourist. Who has?" Robert De Niro was beside himself with laughter at several points during the night. And Alec Baldwin was wiping away tears.
Ricky received support from several stars, including P Diddy, who said he was "really enjoying it" and that the comedian was "doing an excellent job".Christian Bale was also complimentary – even saying he wanted to see Ricky pushing the envelope even further. "Thank God for comedians, they have the most important job. I hope he keeps going further!" said the actor, who picked up the Best supporting Actor Golden Globe. Some of the stars even joined in with the banter. After introducing Bruce Willis as Ashton Kutcher's dad, the actor took to the stage and said: "Some people get very lucky in Hollywood, don't they Ricky?" Robert Downey Jr was given the following introduction: "Many of you in this room probably know him best from such facilities as the Betty Ford Clinic and Los Angeles County Jail." His response: "Aside from the fact that it's been hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones, I'd say the vibe of the show is pretty good so far, wouldn't you?" Even Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Philip Berk found himself on the receiving end.
Ricky announced that Eva Longoria had "the daunting task" of introducing the president. "That's nothing," Ricky continued. "I just had to help him off the toilet and pop his teeth in." Philip retorted: said: "Ricky, next time you want me to help you qualify your movie, go to another guy." The company head later admitted the British star had "crossed the line" with some of his material, but added: "But that's Ricky".
Ricky's controversial quips
- On Charlie Sheen: "It's going to be a night of partying and heavy drinking. Or as Charlie Sheen calls it, 'breakfast'."
- On the Sex and the City actresses: "Girls, we know how old you are. I saw one of you in an episode of Bonanza."
- On Hugh Hefner: "Speaking of The Walking Dead, congratulations to Hugh Hefner"
- On Tom Hanks and Tim Allen: "What can I say about our next two presenters? The first is an actor, producer, writer and director whose movies have grossed over $3.5 billion at the box office. He's won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes for his powerful and varied performances starring in such films as Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Castaway, Apollo 13 and Saving Private Ryan. The other is Tim Allen."
- On The Tourist: "It seems like everything this year was three-dimensional... except the characters in The Tourist.
- On Bruce Willis: "Please welcome Ashton Kutcher's dad, Bruce Willis!"
- On Sylvester Stallone: "The next presenter is a true Hollywood icon. In ten of the biggest blockbusters of all time he has shown his incredible acting versatility by playing a boxer and Rambo. Please welcome Sylvester Stallone."