Kate McKinnon’s Golden Globes speech on Ellen DeGeneres was the night’s best

Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon delivered the speech of the night at the Golden Globes.

Saturday Night Live fans are used to seeing Kate McKinnon steal the show. The rest of the world got to see that on Sunday night as McKinnon’s speech honoring Ellen DeGeneres was the award show’s standout moment.

DeGeneres was honored with the Carol Burnett Award for Achievement in Television at last night’s Golden Globe Awards. DeGeneres was recognized for her work in stand-up comedy, sitcoms, and daytime television. The comedian was a natural and deserving choice to receive the award that was created in 2019.

DeGeneres accepted the award and delivered a very funny speech that played on the fact she has so many friends and fans in the entertainment industry. It was just more proof that DeGeneres is one of television’s brightest stars and most influential figures.

To introduce DeGeneres and hand her the award, Kate McKinnon took the stage to deliver a few words on the personal impact DeGeneres has had on the Saturday Night Live star. The tribute was equal parts hilarious and emotional and quickly became one of the night’s most talked about moments.

McKinnon’s words stood in stark contrast to the pessimistic, nasty tone set by Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais. That was more or less expected from Gervais who certainly got a fair share of laughs and groans from the crowd. But Ellen DeGeneres has always been about positivity and McKinnon made sure her speech embodied that sentiment.

McKinnon made it clear that she would not be where she is today if it wasn’t for seeing DeGeneres on television. McKinnon has gone on to become the de facto face of Saturday Night Live and is building a movie career worth noting. Like so many other performers and “everyday” people, McKinnon’s inspiration and sense of acceptance can be traced back to DeGeneres’ trailblazing television career.

Fans are well aware of the friendship between McKinnon and DeGeneres. McKinnon has brought her impression to both Saturday Night Live and Ellen.

Her speech gave McKinnon the opportunity to be much more sincere about the importance DeGeneres has had on her personally and professionally. Little if anything has been made about McKinnon’s sexuality so it’s hard to imagine what DeGeneres had to go through when she came out in 1997.

The Golden Globes had a few memorable moments and speeches. Tom Hanks, Joaquin Phoenix, and Patricia Arquette all made headlines for what they said on stage. But none earned quite the emotional response as Kate McKinnon.

What did you think of Kate McKinnon’s speech? Do you have a favorite Saturday Night Live moment from Ellen DeGeneres? Let us know in the comment section below!