Chelsea Handler is back on stage with a microphone—and honestly, that’s a little like giving a toddler a flamethrower. But fear not, the Critics Choice Awards are in safe (and snarky) hands as the 49-year-old comedian gears up to host yet again—for the third time in a row! Clearly, she’s like that friend who overstays their welcome at your house, but somehow you’re thrilled because the party just wouldn’t be the same without them.
This time, the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards will be broadcast live on E! on January 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. And if you miss it (how dare you!), you can catch it the next day on Peacock, because nothing screams “I’m too fancy to watch live TV” like streaming it later with a latte in hand.
Before the main event kicks off, E! will generously bless us with an entire hour of red carpet pre-show content. You know, so we can all sit at home in sweatpants, eating chips, while silently judging the fashion choices of Hollywood’s elite. Ah, sweet irony.
Chelsea Handler will once again grace the Critics Choice Awards, where achievements across film, television, and streaming are honored. Yep, she’s got the same gig for the third year running. This year’s spectacle will take place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California—because nothing screams “Hollywood glamour” like… an airplane hangar?
“We’re thrilled to be working with E! for our 30th annual Critics Choice Awards!” gushed Joey Berlin, the Critics Choice Association CEO, probably while internally sweating about whether Chelsea will stick to the script. He’s optimistic that the special 30th-anniversary show will be “our biggest and best yet.” (Which is exactly what people say about every sequel ever. Looking at you, Fast & Furious franchise.) “And we couldn’t be more excited to be airing live on E! and streaming on Peacock!” Translation: “Please, for the love of all things sparkly, someone watch it.”
Chelsea, never one to miss an opportunity for sass, chimed in: “Returning for the third year to host the Critics Choice Awards has been made even sweeter knowing it will now air on E!” She even compared it to “returning to my birthplace”—which raises some questions about her origin story. Was she actually born in a TV studio? Did her first word come with a punchline?
Jen Neal, some big wig at NBCUniversal Entertainment, is just as pumped. “E! is the perfect home for the Critics Choice Awards,” she said, clearly overjoyed that Handler’s return means the show will be “one of the season’s most anticipated events.” Apparently, that’s because Hollywood’s biggest stars across film and television will be honored. But let’s be real: we’re tuning in to see who Chelsea roasts this year.
In case you didn’t know, the Critics Choice Awards have a pretty good track record of predicting Academy Award nominations. So, basically, watching this show is like getting a sneak peek at who’s going to be clutching an Oscar later—minus the orchestra trying to play them off stage.
Now, go ahead and mark your calendars, set your DVRs, or program your smart fridge (we live in the future, people!). Just don’t miss it, or Chelsea might personally come find you with some sharp-tongued jokes in tow.
2025 Critics Choice Awards Schedule
Nov. 11 – Nominating Committees begin deliberation (TV)
Nov. 18 – Submissions close for CCA TV categories
Nov. 29 – Nominating ballots go out to Film Branch Members
Dec. 3 – Nominating Committees render recommendations (TV)
Dec. 5 – CCA TV nominations announced at 9:00 AM PT
Dec. 12 – CCA Film nominations announced at 9:00 AM PT
Jan. 3 – Final ballots go out to both Film and TV Branch Members
Jan. 10 – Deadline for returning final ballots at 9:00 PM PT (Film & TV)
Jan. 12 – 30th annual Critics Choice Awards