Janelle James, a celebrated actress and comedian, has been selected to host the upcoming 2027 Critics Choice Awards, taking over from the previous host, Chelsea Handler. This announcement was made by the Critics Choice Association's CEO, Joey Berlin, who lauded James's exceptional talent and suitability for an event celebrating excellence in television and film. James, recognized for her compelling performance in 'Abbott Elementary,' has a distinguished record of accolades, including multiple Emmy nominations and an NAACP Image Award. Her diverse career spans television and film, with a recent stand-up special debut on Netflix, further showcasing her versatility and appeal. The 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony will be held on January 3, 2027, in Santa Monica, California, with nominations to be revealed in early December. This transition heralds a new and exciting chapter for the prestigious awards event.
A New Voice for Cinema and Television: Janelle James Takes the Stage!
Janelle James Steps into the Spotlight as the New Host for the Prestigious Critics Choice Awards
The Critics Choice Association has officially announced Janelle James as the host for the 2027 Critics Choice Awards. This significant role sees James succeeding Chelsea Handler, who has capably led the ceremony for the past four years. The decision reflects a fresh direction for the esteemed event, bringing a new and dynamic personality to the forefront of the annual celebration of cinematic and television excellence.
The Critics Choice Association's Vision: Embracing Top Talent for a Premier Event
Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, expressed immense enthusiasm for Janelle James's appointment. Berlin highlighted that for over three decades, the Critics Choice Awards have been a pivotal platform for acknowledging the year's finest achievements in entertainment. He emphasized that selecting James, one of the industry's most acclaimed talents, aligns perfectly with the event's mission to honor the best of TV and film, promising an engaging and memorable broadcast.
Celebrating Janelle James: A Glimpse into Her Award-Winning Career and Recent Endeavors
Janelle James is widely celebrated for her captivating portrayal of Ava Coleman in the ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary. Her exceptional performance has earned her five consecutive Emmy nominations, alongside nods for Critics Choice, Independent Spirit, and Gotham Awards. James's talent has also been recognized with NAACP Image Awards in both 2023 and 2026, complemented by nominations in 2024 and 2025, underscoring her consistent impact in the entertainment landscape.
Expanding Horizons: James's Diverse Portfolio in Stand-Up, Film, and Television Production
Beyond her acclaimed role in Abbott Elementary, Janelle James continues to broaden her artistic footprint. Her inaugural hour-long stand-up special, Janelle James: How Romantic, is set to premiere on Netflix on November 10, further solidifying her comedic prowess. Her film and television credits also include appearances in Black Monday, Apple TV's Central Park, and a role in the feature film One of Them Days. Additionally, James is venturing into production, co-writing and executive producing an upcoming Hulu comedy series titled Rock City, showcasing her multifaceted talents.
Anticipation Builds for the 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards: Date, Venue, and Nomination Details
The 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 3, 2027. The prestigious event will be hosted at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and will be broadcast live from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT). Film and television enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the nominees, which will be revealed on December 4, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting awards season.
About the author
Mindy Kaling
Actress, writer, producer, and author of humorous essays on Hollywood and life.
