Ricky Gervais again proved his penchant for provocation Sunday as he returned as host of the Golden Globe Awards, ribbing Hollywood's A-listers with at times uncomfortable jokes.

The sharp-tongued British comic - the host of the awards from 2010-2012 before being replaced by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler - appeared to relish his bad boy reputation as he took the stage at the Beverly Hilton.

"Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!" he said by way of greeting the crowd.

"One Hollywood publication said that me hosting would mean that some film stars would stay away for fear of being made fun of. As if film stars would stay away from the chance of winning a Golden Globe - particularly if their film company has already paid for it," he said, alluding to long-standing criticism on the process for selecting the winners.

Gervais poked fun at Olympic decathlon champion turned Hollywood celebrity Caitlyn Jenner, a pioneer for transgender rights who was also involved in a deadly car crash last year.

"What a year she's had. She became a role model for trans people everywhere, showing great bravery in breaking down barriers and destroying stereotypes.

"She didn't do a lot for women drivers, but you can't have everything, can you?" Gervais said to applause.