Critics’ Choice Awards: Why Chelsea Handler thanked Blake Lively for distracting Justin Baldoni
Prepare to laugh until it hurts.
Chelsea Handler will return as host of the Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 for the fourth year in a row.
Live on Sunday, January 4th on E! and USA Network’s acclaimed comedian, television host, and New York Times bestselling author will once again bring her signature boundary-pushing humor and wit to the Critics Choice Association’s 31st annual ceremony.
And the Chelsea Lately alum is thrilled to be hosting Hollywood’s first awards show in 2026.
“I think it’s only fitting to start the year with the Critics’ Choice Awards,” Handler said in a Nov. 17 announcement. “Nothing says ‘new beginning’ like a room full of critics trying to talk about last year’s performance.”
Dubbing Handler “the world’s greatest award show host,” CCA CEO Joey Berlin said, “We are thrilled to welcome her back to our stage and celebrate her trade mark in front of hundreds of stars who enjoy her as much as we do. “It’s important to recognize and celebrate the most worthy achievements in film and television, but it’s also a lot of fun, and Chelsea is the perfect person to lead the parade.”
