Chelsea Handler Returning to Host Critics Choice Awards 2026 on USA Network and E!
Chelsea Handler returns to ring in the New Year as host of the Critics Choice Awards 2026, airing live Jan. 4, on E! and USA. Plus, all the details on the live nominations announcement on Dec. 5.
Looking for a good laugh in the New Year? Look no further!
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 is coming to USA Network and will be hosted by one of the funniest comedians around. Chelsea Handler is returning as emcee extraordinaire for her fourth consecutive year, once again bringing her bold humor to the Critics Choice Association’s 31st annual ceremony.
Airing live Sunday, Jan. 4, across both USA Network and E!, the best-selling author shared her thoughts on hosting Hollywood’s very first awards 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," Critics Choice Association 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."
The 2026 telecast marks the first time the event airs live simultaneously on E! and USA Network, so you won’t miss a minute of the fun.
As Val Boreland, President of Entertainment, VERSANT, noted of Handler, "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.
How to watch the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards Nominations
Both TV and Film category nominations for the annual event will be announced on Friday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. ET/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 USA and E! and on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
