By Trendsetter Tribune 
Wanda Sykes delivered sharp jokes at the Golden Globes, poking fun at Bill Maher, Kevin Hart, and Ricky Gervais while presenting the award for best TV stand-up.
Wanda Sykes made it clear Sunday night that she thinks America has heard quite enough from Bill Maher.
Taking the Golden Globes stage to present the award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television, Sykes wasted no time turning the moment into a roast. The category included Maher alongside Brett Goldstein, Kevin Hart, Kumail Nanjiani, Ricky Gervais, and Sarah Silverman—and no one escaped unscathed.
“There are some people mad that a queer Black woman is up here doing the job of two mediocre white guys,” Sykes joked, moments after praising host Nikki Glaser. “But first, let’s show some love.”
Maher’s turn came quickly.
“Bill Maher—you give us so much,” Sykes said, referencing his long-running HBO show, which recently received a two-season renewal. “But honestly? I’d love a little less.”
The camera cut to Maher, who appeared unimpressed as the audience laughed. “Just try less,” Sykes added, doubling down.
She continued firing in every direction. Kevin Hart, she said, was a “true American” because he wanted the win more than anyone—despite already being the wealthiest nominee. Brett Goldstein earned praise for his charm and distinctive voice, which Sykes joked could have landed him a role as “a great Menendez brother.”
But the sharpest punch was reserved for Ricky Gervais, a frequent Golden Globes host who has faced criticism over jokes about transgender people in his stand-up and awards-show monologues.
“Ricky, I love you… for not being here,” Sykes said, drawing laughter. She added that if Gervais won, she’d be happy to accept the award on his behalf. “You’re going to thank God—and the trans community,” she said, earning loud applause.
Gervais has previously rejected claims that his comedy is transphobic, arguing that critics often confuse the subject of a joke with its target. He has said that making jokes about a person does not automatically amount to hostility toward the group they belong to.
When Sykes finally revealed the winner, it was Gervais. She followed through on her promise.
“Ricky Gervais!” she announced. “He would like to thank God—and the trans community.”