Get ready to laugh until it hurts.
Chelsea Handler is returning to host the Critics Choice Awards 2026 for the fourth consecutive year.
Airing live Sunday, Jan. 4, across E! and USA networks, the renowned comedian, TV host and New York Times best-selling author will once again bring her signature sense of envelope-pushing humor and wit to the Critics Choice Association's 31st annual ceremony.
And the Chelsea Lately alum is stoked to emcee Hollywood's very first award show of 2026.
“Kicking off the year with the Critics Choice Awards feels right," Handler said in a Nov. 17 announcement. "Nothing says ‘new beginnings’ like a room full of critics ready to tell you how you did last year."
Dubbing Handler "the best awards show host in the world," CCA CEO Joey Berlin added, "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."
With the telecast now airing on both E! and USA Network, viewers can expect double the laughs.
As Val Boreland, President of Entertainment, VERSANT, noted, "Her sharp wit and captivating stage presence will surely make this show an unforgettable kickoff to awards season.”
Airing live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif., the star-studded show 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.
Now, want to find out who's nominated?
Both TV and Film category nominations for the annual event will be announced on Friday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT on E! and USA Network linear channels and will stream on CriticsChoice.com, E! Online and E!’s and USA’s YouTube channels. Nominations information will also be available on CCAs and E! social media channels.
Don't miss the Critics Choice Awards 2026 broadcasting live on E! and USA on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
In the meantime, keep reading to look back at last year's star-studded red carpet and most jaw-dropping fashion moments.
Ariana Grande
In Christian Dior
Cynthia Erivo
In Armani Privé
Angelina Jolie
In Elie Saab
Hannah Einbinder
In Louis Vuitton
Nicole Kidman
In Saint Laurent
Demi Moore
In Schiaparelli Couture
Matt Bomer
In Berluti
Zoe Saldaña
In Saint Laurent
Orlando Bloom
Leighton Meester & Adam Brody
Leighton in Christian Dior and Adam in Santoni
Michelle Yeoh
In Balenciaga
Lupita Nyong'o
In Chanel
Kate Hudson
Maren Morris
In Monique Lhuillier
Naomi Watts
In Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewelry
Rachel Brosnahan
In Miu Miu and Pomellato jewelry
Kathryn Hahn
In Oscar de la Renta
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Colin Farrell
Mikey Madison
Logan Lerman
Cristin Milioti
In Saint Laurent and Brilliant Earth jewelry
David Harbour
Jodie Foster
Jessica Gunning
Dakota Fanning
In Irene Neuwirth jewelry
Jeff Goldblum
Marissa Bode
In Maria Lucia Hohan
Ethan Slater
Harvey Guillen