Jo Koy is ‘ready’ for Taylor Swift, other Golden Globes surprises

From left, Barry Adelman, Ricky Kirshner, Glenn Weiss, Jo Koy, and Helen Hoehne roll out the red carpet during the Golden Globe Awards Press Preview at the Beverly Hilton, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

BEVERLY HILLS – Filipino American actor and comedian Jo Koy yesterday joined Golden Globes producers in the ceremonial red carpet rollout at the Beverly Hilton ahead of the awards show on Sunday.

Just a few days away from hosting Hollywood’s Party of the Year, Jo Koy said he was ready for any surprises, including Taylor Swift, who was nominated for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement – a new category this year – for her record-breaking Eras Tour film.

The film has become the highest grossing concert film of all time. If Swift wins, she will make history as the first-ever winner of the new category.

Taylor Swift was nominated for the Golden Globes Cinematic and Box Office Achievement – a new category this year – for her record-breaking Eras Tour film. FILE PHOTO/SUZANNE CORDEIRO/ AFP)

When asked by “Extra” if he was prepared for surprises, such as Taylor Swift showing up with beau Travis Kelcy, Jo Koy replied, “Wouldn’t that be great? I’m going to say it’s gonna happen. How’s that? I’m ready!”

Jo Koy joined producers Glenn Weiss, Barry Adelman and Ricky Kirshner, and Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne at the press preview and red carpet rollout.

He told goldenglobes.com that Chris Rock gave him the best advice: “He said, ‘Just stay backstage and watch the show; if something happens, you don’t want to miss it because you’re changing your costume. Just watch the show and be ready.’”

Kirshner and Weiss, the executive producing showrunners, liked the idea of spontaneity during the show. “We love live television,” said Weiss. “With an experience like this, anything can happen. There have been so many moments at the Golden Globes that were spontaneous and unplanned.”

They will use 19 cameras to capture the action to give home audiences an immersive experience, like they are also in the room.

Representation matters

Jo Koy takes a selfie as he rolls out the red carpet during the Golden Globe Awards Press Preview at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Hosting the show would be a full-circle moment for Jo Koy and a chance to inspire young people.

“This is everything. It’s different for me. You hear that a lot right now, but it means a lot for someone that looks like me,” the Fil-Am comedian told Variety.

“There’s a kid that’s Asian out there, or that’s half white/half Asian, any ethnicity. Being able to see this, it will indirectly inspire them. This is one of those ‘finally’ moments. I don’t want to address that when I’m on stage, but I think me just being on stage is enough.”

“And that’s the kind of weight on my shoulders that I have. Because I need to represent them well,” he added.

“So, I want to make sure my job is done right. I want to make sure I’m funny. And this wasn’t just a fluke. I worked hard for this moment. And I know that my family is watching, and my culture is watching and there’s a lot of kids that are going to be inspired by this. When I was a kid, I was a fan of award shows. Yes, the host didn’t look like me. But I laughed and I enjoyed it. And I always dreamt, ‘I’d love to be in that room someday.’ And here I am. I’m finally in the room. With the best seats!”

The 81st Golden Globe Awards will air live on Sunday, Jan. 7 on CBS, streamed on Paramount+ and will be available on the CBS app, starting at 5 p.m. PT (8-11 p.m. ET).