Bill Maher Says He Expected to Lose Golden Globe, Claims Hollywood Is “Too Woke” for Him

Bill Maher says he was never expecting to take home a Golden Globe — and he believes Hollywood’s culture is the reason why.

The comedian and political commentator shared his thoughts on the latest episode of his podcast Club Random, released Monday. The conversation was recorded before the Golden Globe Awards ceremony and featured actor Joel Edgerton, who was also nominated that night.

Both men discussed award-show expectations. Edgerton was nominated for best actor in a drama film for Train Dreams, while Bill Maher was nominated for best stand-up comedy for his special Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This?

When Edgerton said he keeps his expectations low at awards shows, Maher responded that he’s used to being overlooked.

“Sweetheart, I’ve been nominated for 33 Emmys, and they would never give it to me,” Maher said. “That’s not a gag number. That’s a real number. It’s crazy.”

In reality, Maher has received 41 Emmy nominations across his career. He won once in 2014 as an executive producer on Vice. This year marked his first-ever nomination at the Golden Globe Awards.

Maher suggested his reputation for blunt commentary has worked against him.

“Obviously, it’s something I said. Well, it’s everything I said,” he joked, before adding that Hollywood is a “woke town” that dislikes his unfiltered style. He said he had already accepted the outcome before the ceremony.

“If I win this by some miracle, I really should be shocked,” he said.

There was no miracle. The award went to Ricky Gervais for his stand-up special Mortality.

During the ceremony, presenter Wanda Sykes poked fun at the nominees while introducing the category. Turning to Maher, she joked, “Bill Maher, you give us so much. But I would love a little less. Try less.”

Cameras caught Maher looking visibly annoyed by the remark.

Despite the loss, Maher made it clear he’s at peace with his place in Hollywood — even if the feeling isn’t mutual.