Jason Bateman Tries To Make ‘Best Female Actor’ Category All About Him At Golden Globes
In terms of emotional maturity, Jason Bateman has arrested development.
Or at least he did in a very funny bit for the 2026 Golden Globes.
During Sunday night’s ceremony, Bateman and his co-hosts for the “SmartLess” podcast, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, presented the award for Best Female Actor in a TV Series ― Comedy or Musical. As the three actors were walking onstage, however, the ceremony’s announcer introduced Bateman in a hilariously brutal way.
Jason Bateman and wife Amanda Anka on the red carpet at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
Chad Salvador/2026GG via Getty Images
“Please welcome the hosts of ‘Smartless!’ Sean Hayes, Will Arnett and — a guy who’s never really been my thing — Jason Bateman.”
Bateman slowed down and looked around for a bit, looking completely confused and annoyed. Hayes went ahead and began to read the teleprompter like Bateman wasn’t fuming.
“This year’s nominees for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy truly raised the bar by delivering nuanced, unparalleled performances—” Hayes began.
“So we’re just gonna pretend that didn’t just happen?” Bateman interjected with his back turned toward the audience.
Bateman gets salty with Sean Hayes and Will Arnett onstage while presenting an award during the 2026 Golden Globes awards.
Screenshot CBS/Golden Globes via Snapstream
“The announcer? He said, ‘Jason Bateman’s not really my thing?’ Who says that?” Bateman said.
“Honestly, a lot of people kinda say that,” Arnett said, sheepishly.
“Is that right? Really?” Bateman said with a quiet intensity.
“Yeah man, you’re not everybody’s thing. That’s OK,” Arnett said.
“I think you’re great,” Hayes said, trying to deflate the tension. “I loved ‘Ozark.’”
“Thank you,” Bateman said before taking a pause and realizing Hayes was just trying to placate him.
“What was it about?” Bateman asked Hayes suspiciously.
“It was about three seasons too long,” Hayes said.
“Look man! … Dude …Somehow you manage to make a ‘Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy’ category about you.” That is just — wow, that’s wild.”
“Do you get it now?” the announcer said, earning a laugh from the audience.
And just FYI, Jean Smart went on to win the category for her role in “Hacks.”
Although the whole interaction was clearly a scripted sketch, we’d like to think this is the dynamic among these three men all the time.
