Nikki Glaser Honors Rob Reiner at the 2026 Golden Globes

During the 2026 Golden Globes held on January 11, host Nikki Glaser paid tribute to the late filmmaker Rob Reiner, who was tragically murdered alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in December 2025. Glaser, who was hosting the ceremony for the second consecutive year, wore a black baseball cap emblazoned with "Spinal Tap," a nod to Reiner's iconic 1984 mockumentary, *This Is Spinal Tap*. As she concluded the show, Glaser referenced one of the film's famous lines, stating, “This one went to 11,” while thanking the audience for the night.

Entertainment WeeklyThe WrapDaily BeastPeople MagazineE! NewsDeadline HollywoodHere’s How Golden Globes Host Nikki Glaser Paid Subtle Tribute to Rob ReinerWATCH: Nikki Glaser Pays Tribute to Late Filmmaker Rob Reiner at Golden Globes: “This One Went to 11”New York Times

Glaser had previously expressed her desire to honor Reiner in a personal way, acknowledging that the Golden Globes do not include a dedicated "In Memoriam" segment. She stated, “I knew him, but not really well... I think I landed on something that I feel he would do for me too,” highlighting her intention to balance respect with humor during the tribute.

Here’s How Golden Globes Host Nikki Glaser Paid Subtle Tribute to Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner, 78, was a celebrated director and actor known for films such as *Stand By Me*, *When Harry Met Sally...*, and *The Princess Bride*. His wife, Michele, 70, was a photographer and producer. The couple was found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14, 2025, with their son, Nick Reiner, charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths. The shocking nature of their murders reverberated throughout Hollywood, prompting tributes from various figures in the industry.

New York Times

Nikki Glaser's hosting performance was met with acclaim, as she delivered a rapid-fire opening monologue that included jabs at several celebrities and current events. Her humor ranged from light-hearted to politically charged, addressing topics such as the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the recent controversies surrounding CBS News. Glaser's ability to blend humor with poignant moments was noted as a highlight of the evening.

Hollywood Reporter

In her pre-show comments, Glaser mentioned her awareness of the delicate nature of honoring Reiner, stating, “It’s delicate because we don’t have an In Memoriam, so there’s not a whole section set aside to honor everyone we’ve lost.” Following the ceremony, she reflected on her tribute, saying, “If something happened to me and Rob Reiner was hosting a show, given our relationship, how would I want him to handle it?”

Here’s How Golden Globes Host Nikki Glaser Paid Subtle Tribute to Rob Reiner

While Glaser's tribute was generally well-received, some critics noted that the lack of a formal In Memoriam segment at the Golden Globes left many significant figures unacknowledged. Comedian Chelsea Handler had previously honored Reiner at the Critics Choice Awards, describing him as “the nicest guy in Hollywood,” which raised questions about the adequacy of Glaser's tribute in comparison.

People Magazine

The aftermath of Reiner's death continues to unfold, with his son Nick Reiner's arraignment scheduled for February 23, 2026. As the Hollywood community mourns the loss of Rob and Michele Reiner, tributes and reflections on their legacy are expected to persist in upcoming awards ceremonies and public discussions.

Daily Beast

• “This one went to 11.” — Nikki Glaser, Host of the 2026 Golden Globes

Variety Magazine

• “But obviously, I thought if something happened to me and Rob Reiner was hosting a show, given our relationship, how would I want him to handle it?” — Nikki Glaser

Deadline Hollywood

Nikki Glaser's tribute to Rob Reiner at the 2026 Golden Globes served as a poignant reminder of the impact of his work and the loss felt by the entertainment community.

People Magazine