Ricky Gervais wasted no time insulting the great and the good of Hollywood as he hosted the Golden Globes for the fourth time.

During his opening monologue, he warned the celebrities in the Beverly Hilton Hotel that he would disappear after delivering his barbs.

“Not even Sean Penn will find me!” he joked in a reference to the Oscar-winning actor’s recent interview with Mexican drug kingpin El Chapo.

Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais
Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais (Paul Drinkwater/AP)

Easily the most awkward moment of the night was the reunion between Ricky and Mel Gibson.

When The Office creator hosted the ceremony in 2010, he had introduced the Braveheart star with the words: “I like a drink as much as the next man, unless the next man is Mel Gibson.”

Mel had been arrested in 2006 for suspected drink-driving. He had also made anti-Semitic remarks to a police officer, for which he later apologised.

But Ricky brought it all up again as he took shots at the 60-year-old and just about everyone else at this year’s event.

Here are some of his most cutting remarks.

On Mel Gibson

“I’m in the awkward position of having to introduce him again. Listen, I’m sure it’s embarrassing for both of us. I blame NBC for this terrible situation. Mel blames … we know who Mel blames.”

“Mel’s forgotten all about it apparently. That’s what drinking does.”

“I want to say something nice about Mel before he comes out so … I’d rather have a drink with him in his hotel room tonight than with Bill Cosby.”

“Thank you, I’m afraid that’s it. We’re out of time. From myself and Mel Gibson, shalom!”

On Matt Damon

“The only person who Ben Affleck hasn’t been unfaithful to. Please welcome, Matt Damon!”

On Caitlyn Jenner

“I’ve changed, not as much as Bruce Jenner, obviously.”

“She didn’t do a lot for women drivers, but you can’t have everything, can you?”

On Spotlight, a movie about paedophile priests

“Roman Polanski called it the best date movie ever.”

On Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence sparkles at the Golden Globe Awards
Jennifer Lawrence sparkles at the Golden Globe Awards (Jordan Strauss/Invision/PA)

“How the hell can a 25-year-old live on $52 million?”

On Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer

“Joy and Trainwreck. No, not the name of Charlie Sheen’s two favourite hookers. They’re the films of our next two presenters.”

On Eva Longoria and America Ferrera

“Eva Longoria and America Ferrera aren’t just beautiful, talented actresses. They’re also two people who your future president, Donald Trump, can’t wait to deport.”

On Kevin Hart and Ken Jeong

“When Brad and Angelina see these next to adorable little presenters, they’re going to want to adopt them. Please welcome Kevin Hart and Ken Jeong!”

On Eddie Redmayne

“Our next presenter is an actress who is both beautiful and talented. Born in England she came to America and has taken Hollywood by storm. Please welcome the nominated star of The Danish Girl, it’s a dude, Eddie Redmayne!”