This time last year (and the year before), Ricky Gervais' acerbic presenting at the Golden Globes hadn't won him many fans in Hollywood. (Mainly because he introduced Bruce Willis as Ashton Kutcher's dad - good job Ashton gave the awards a wide berth this year. And most American's will never get irony, no matter how many episodes of The Office they watch.)

His return at host for a third time came as quite a surprise when it was announced earlier this year. Never one to tone down his very British wit, Ricky wasn't put off by the criticism. The comedian was just as outspoken, just as controversial and just as hilarious last night.

Here are the bits that made us chortle:

5. "Our next presenter is the Queen of Pop - not you Elton, sit down. Please welcome Madonna." (It really wasn't Elton's night...)

4. On Bridesmaids: "Farting, burping, cursing, performing wild sex acts, even pooping in the sink. I heard for research they spent the weekend with Dame Helen Mirren."

3. On Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek: "They're ridiculously gorgeous specimens, they're extremely talented and probably very interesting. I'm not sure - I couldn't understand a f*ing word they said."

2. "The Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton. A bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker and more easily bought. Allegedly."

1. "What you don't know about Colin Firth is he's very racist. I've also seen him punch a little blind kitten."