Janelle James takes over from Chelsea Handler as 2027 Critics Choice Awards host
The Abbott Elementary star is set to host the January ceremony after Chelsea Handler’s four-year run. Film and television nominations are due in December.
Janelle James will host the 2027 Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 3 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Abbott Elementary comedian takes over from Chelsea Handler, who emceed the awards for the previous four years.
Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin welcomed the choice, saying: ‘We are so honored to have the incredible Janelle James join us to host this year’s Critics Choice Awards.’ The association also lists the host announcement on its website.
Why Janelle James is hosting the Critics Choice Awards
James is known for playing Ava Coleman on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, a role that has brought her five consecutive Emmy nominations, according to both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. The hosting job puts a performer closely associated with a television comedy at the center of a show honoring work in both film and television.
She also has a stand-up special on the way: Janelle James: How Romantic is scheduled to debut on Netflix on Nov. 10. Her other screen credits include Black Monday, Central Park and the film One of Them Days, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The change follows Handler’s four-year stretch as emcee. Variety reported that Handler hosted the ceremony earlier in 2026, when honorees included Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and Jessie Buckley. James is now set to front the 32nd annual edition.
When are the nominations and 2027 ceremony?
Film and television nominations are scheduled for Dec. 4. Variety puts the announcement at 9 a.m. Pacific time and says it will be carried on E! and USA Network, the Critics Choice website, E! Online and the organizations’ social platforms.
The ceremony is scheduled to air live on E! and USA Network on Jan. 3, starting at 4 p.m. Pacific time, Variety reported. The Hollywood Reporter gives the planned broadcast window as 4–7 p.m. Pacific time, or 7–10 p.m. Eastern time. The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica is the announced venue.
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Sources and context
- Janelle James to Host 2027 Critics Choice AwardsThe Hollywood Reporter
- Janelle James to Host Critics Choice AwardsVariety
- Critics Choice – The Critics Choice AssociationCritics Choice Association
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.