@Easter Sunday
Comedian Jo Koy has signed on to host the upcoming 81st Golden Globe Awards ceremony, Deadline is reporting. The job will mark his first time hosting a major awards show.
The announcement of the entertainer’s role of Golden Globes host comes after he broke sales records on his Funny Is Funny World Tour. The tour was one of the highest grossing of the year, according to Pollstar; it grossed $29.4 million over the course of 88 performances in arenas and theaters around the world.
The Golden Globes ceremony has almost always been hosted by comedians in recent years. Koy’s hosting job comes as the ceremony is set to introduce two new categories, one of which recognizes comedy – Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. Inaugural nominees in the category include Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, Trevor Noah, Sarah Silverman, Ricky Gervais and Amy Schumer. The ceremony will also introduce a Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category.
While discussing being named the host for next month’s Golden Globe ceremony, Koy said: “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. This is that moment where I get to make my Filipino family proud. Mahal Kita (Google it)!”
Stated Golden Globes President Helen Hoehne also chimed in on the comedian hosting the ceremony: “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.”
Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, who are serving as showrunners and executive producers on the program, also chimed in on the performer’s hosting duties: “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.”
Koy is known for regularly selling out arenas around the world with an act that often highlights his most memorable family interactions. He has been working as a comic for nearly 30 years.
Previously, the entertainer has released five top-rated specials via Comedy Central and Netflix. His most recent special, Jo Koy: Live from the Los Angeles Forum, premiered on the latter last year.
Koy is also well known for bolstering up-and-coming comedians. He most notably did so with the 2020 Netflix special Jo Koy: In His Elements, which features a roster of Filipino American talent.