Wanda Sykes accepted Ricky Gervais’ Golden Globe award on his behalf Sunday, and seized the opportunity to thank a few people he likely wouldn’t have.
Sykes took the stage at The Beverly Hilton to present the award for Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance, but rather than delivering a routine introduction, she seized the moment to craft a speech that was unmistakably her own. Blending pointed commentary, and her own personal perspective, the comedian added a twist to her envelope reveal.
Ricky Gervais has won the Golden Globe for Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance.
Gervais was not in attendance, so Wanda Sykes accepted on his behalf and thanked “God and the trans community”pic.twitter.com/0290I5d7zH
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) January 12, 2026
Sykes announced Gervais as the winner of the award, but he wasn’t in attendance to accept it. A self-proclaimed atheist, Gervais has long been a polarizing figure in comedy and has previously faced backlash over jokes about the trans community.
Taking control of the moment, Sykes wasted no time jumping in, saying, “he would like to thank God, and the trans community!” (RELATED: Transgender Women Infiltrated The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 30: Ricky Gervais attends the Ricky Gervais Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremony on May 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)
Sykes continued, “Ricky Gervais could not be here, but we’ll accept this on his behalf,” as the crowd reacted to her shocking commentary.
Gervais hasn’t publicly responded to Sykes’ response to his win.
