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Chelsea Handler Opens Critics Choice Awards with Reflection and Humor

Chelsea Handler took the stage as the host of the Critics Choice Awards, expressing her appreciation to Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni for providing a timely diversion amid the recent wildfires that have plagued Los Angeles.

In her opening remarks, Handler acknowledged the challenges faced by the city and the broader nation since the fires erupted in early January. She highlighted the importance of distraction during such difficult times, specifically thanking the stars of “It Ends With Us” for their efforts to shift focus away from distressing news.

“I want to acknowledge that we’ve been through a lot lately, not just here in Los Angeles, but our entire country, waking up every day not knowing what news we’re going to hear that will disappoint or horrify us,” she remarked. “So it is important in times like these to have a distraction, and that’s why I want to personally extend my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.”

Handler further lightened the mood by sharing her thoughts on the future of the film industry, humorously suggesting that the audience could accept that there may not be a sequel to their story. “Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I’m grateful. I think we’re all grateful and I think we’re good. I think everybody in this room, no matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree to accept that there’s probably not going to be a sequel. It ends with us guys,” she quipped.

In a nod to her career, Handler remarked on her past experiences with E!, the network that broadcasted the award show. Reflecting on her tenure as the host of “Chelsea Lately,” she remarked on the progress made towards inclusivity in late night television. “I spent seven years on this network, and during that time, I was the only woman hosting a late night show,” she said. “Now, 11 years later, look how far we’ve come. In 2025, the easiest way to get a late night talk show as a woman is to have the creators of ‘Hacks’ write a fictional story about it.”

The 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards were finally held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, following two postponements due to the wildfires. Leading the nominations were “Conclave” and “Wicked,” each earning 11 nominations, closely followed by “Dune: Part II” and “Emilia Pérez” with 10 nominations each.

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