Ricky Gervais gives expletive-filled response to fans wanting him to host the Oscars

Ricky Gervais has categorically shut down fans vying for the comedian to host the Oscars.

The biggest night in Hollywood took place on Sunday, with late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien at the helm for a second year in a row to guide viewers through the lengthy awards show.

It was a night to remember with Sinners star Michael B. Jordan and Hamnet actress Jessie Buckley coming out on top as best actor and actress, and One Battle After Another dominating other major categories, such as best picture and best director.

Conan once more proved a hit with the A-Listers and film lovers watching at home, delivering a punchy quip about the Timothee Chalamet ballet-opera controversy and even managing a jab at those caught up in the Epstein Files.

Still, after his five-time stint hosting the Golden Globes (between 2010 and 2020), some of his diehard fans are rooting for him to make the leap over to the Academy Awards.

‘Repost if you wish @rickygervais was hosting the #Oscars tonight,’ X user gervaisclips wrote alongside a 10-minute Golden Globe opening monologue.

The social media post was reshared 2k times, including by the After Life star himself, who shot down any hopes of it happening.

‘F**k that!’ he declared.

The Golden Globe-winning comic, 64, is already quite a controversial figure with a brand that rails against ‘cancel culture’ and ‘wokeness’. In particular, he has faced backlash for his comments about the transgender community and terminally ill children, among other things.

Although he hasn’t hosted the Globes in several years, his time on the stage has not been forgotten.

This year, fellow comedian Wanda Sykes accepted the best stand-up comedy on TV award on his behalf for his special Mortality, and she took the opportunity to ridicule him.

‘I love you for not being here. If you win, I get to accept the award on your behalf, and you’re going to thank God and the trans community,’ she joked.

Meanwhile, he revealed what he would have said during the 2025 ceremony if he had been asked back.

An excerpt of the pretend monologue went: ‘What a year it’s been. Hundreds of entertainers jumped at the chance to go to The Vatican to meet The Pope. Many from Hollywood. Obviously, they weren’t content with only being part of the 2nd biggest pedo ring in the world…’

Gervais continued: ‘Justin Timberlake was convicted of [drunk driving]. If he’d have gone to jail he’d have heard the words “Sexy Back” a lot more often.’

The Office star discussed why he would never host the Oscars in 2022.

He explained: ‘They’d never let me do what I wanted. That’s why the Globes got me.

‘They said I can write my own jokes and say what I want, no rehearsals. The Oscars would never. And if the Oscars said that, then I’d do it, but that would never happen. I’d be cancelled halfway through.’

So, sorry Gervais fans, but it looks like he’s sticking with that attitude.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.