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Chelsea Handler Returns to Host 2026 Critics Choice Awards as Show Adds Four Categories

The ceremony positions itself as an early-season kickoff with nominations unveiled together on December 5.

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: Host Chelsea Handler attends the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California

Overview

  • The 31st Critics Choice Awards will air live on Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 7–10 p.m. ET/PT at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar on E! and USA Network.
  • Both film and TV nominations will be announced December 5 at 9 a.m. PT on E! and USA, with streams on CriticsChoice.com, E! Online and the networks’ YouTube channels.
  • Four categories were added: Best Variety Series for TV, plus Best Stunt Design, Best Casting/Ensemble and Best Sound for film.
  • CCA CEO Joey Berlin and Versant entertainment president Val Boreland praised Handler’s return, noting the broadcast will run across E! and USA under the Versant banner.
  • The updates follow recent category refinements to align with industry standards, including last year’s talk-series eligibility change that affected shows such as Last Week Tonight.