Janelle James Set To Host 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards

Ava is coming for the Critics.

Five-time Emmy nominee and Critics Choice winner for her role as Principal Ava Coleman on ABC’s hit comedy series Abbott Elementary, Janelle James has been named host for the 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards kicking off the televised awards show season on January 3, 2026. She follows Chelsea Handler who has hosted the show for the past few years.

“For over three decades, the Critics Choice Awards have been the place where the conversation about the year’s best work really takes off – and who better to host a show about the best of TV and film than one of the very best in the business?” said CCA CEO Joey Berlin. “We are so honored to have the incredible Janelle James join us to host this year’s Critics Choice Awards.”

“Janelle brings a singular comedic voice and sharp point of view to the stage, and we’re thrilled to welcome her as host of the 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards,” said Val Boreland, President of Entertainment, VERSANT. “The Critics Choice Awards celebrate the year’s most exceptional work across film and television, and we look forward to once again sharing this special night with audiences on E! and USA Network.”

Janelle James is an award-winning actress and comedian best known for her long running role as Coleman in Abbott Elementary. James will debut her first hour-long stand-up special, Janelle James: How Romantic, on Netflix on November 10.

James has earned five consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, a 2026 Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and nominations from the Independent Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, and Television Critics Association. She also won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2023 and 2026, with additional nominations in 2024 and 2025.

James continues to headline tours nationwide. Additional TV and film credits include writing and acting on Showtime’s Black Monday and Apple TV’s Central Park, as well as a role in the feature film One of Them Days, which earned her a 2026 NAACP Image Award nomination. James is also developing Rock City, a new Hulu comedy she is co-writing and executive producing alongside David Caspe.

The ceremony will again be held at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Returning to E! for the third consecutive year, and to USA Network for the second, the telecast will air live on both coasts from 7:00-10:00 p.m. ET / 4:00-7:00 p.m. PT.

Nominations in both the film and television categories for the annual event will be announced on Friday December 4, 2026