The Critics’ Choice Association (CCA) announced today that comedian, television host, and seven-time New York Times best-selling author Chelsea Handler will return as host of the 31st annual Critics’ Choice Awards, marking her fourth consecutive year in that role. Returning to E! for the second year in a row, the telecast will also air live across USA Network on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
The star-studded show will once again be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and will continue its combined film and television awards format, honoring the best in cinematic, televised, and streaming achievement. Notably, four new categories have been added to this year’s show: Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting/Ensemble, and Best Sound.
Both TV and Film category nominations for the annual event will be announced at 9:00 a.m. PT on Friday, December 5, on E! and USA Network linear channels:
“Chelsea Handler is the best awards show host in the world,” said CCA CEO Joey Berlin. “We are absolutely thrilled to have her back on our stage, mixing her trademark mix of humor and heart in front of hundreds of stars who enjoy her as much as we do. Recognizing and celebrating the most deserving achievements in film and television is important, but it’s also great fun, and Chelsea is the perfect person to lead the parade.”
“We’re ecstatic to welcome Chelsea back to host Critics’ Choice Awards for another year – now airing on both E! and USA Network,” said Val Boreland, President of Entertainment, VERSANT. “Her sharp wit and captivating stage presence will surely make this show an unforgettable kickoff to awards season.”
“Kicking off the year with the Critics’ Choice Awards feels right — nothing says ‘new beginnings’ like a room full of critics ready to tell you how you did last year,” said Chelsea Handler.
Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host, and seven-time New York Times best-selling author whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture.
After a strong seven-year run as the host of E!’s top-rated Chelsea Lately, a tenure in which she was the only female late-night talk show host on-air, she launched her documentary series Chelsea Does, followed by her talk show Chelsea on Netflix in 2016.
She has penned seven New York Times best-selling books, six of which have reached #1, including her seventh and most recent book, I’ll Have What She’s Having, published in February 2025.
In 2021, she launched her hit iHeart Radio advice podcast, Dear Chelsea. Later that year, she embarked on the Vaccinated and Horny Tour, bringing her sensational stand-up set to over 90 cities with 115 shows across North America and winning “The Comedy Act of 2021” at the People’s Choice Awards.
Following the success of her 2020 HBO Max comedy special Evolution, Chelsea earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Comedy Album. Her third Netflix comedy special, the critically acclaimed The Feeling, premiered in March 2025.
In February 2025, she continued her celebrated run as host of the Critics’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year. Currently, Handler can be seen at her Las Vegas residency Chelsea at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, through which she made history as the venue’s first female comedian residency. Next, Handler will embark on The High and Mighty Tour in 2026.
The Critics’ Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, they are the most accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations.
The 31st annual Critics’ Choice Awards show will be executive-produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment. The Critics’ Choice Awards are represented by Dan Black at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
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