Janelle James Set To Host The 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards
Janelle James will host the 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards on 3 January 2027, opening the televised awards season. The appointment puts the comedian and actor, known for playing Principal Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary, in the role after several years of Chelsea Handler hosting.
The ceremony will take place at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and air live on E! and USA Network from 7 to 10 p.m. ET. James has received five consecutive Emmy nominations for her Abbott Elementary role and won the 2026 Critics Choice Award for best supporting actress in a comedy series; nominations for the next awards will be announced on 4 December.
In short
- Janelle James will host the 2027 Critics Choice Awards.
- The ceremony is scheduled for 3 January in Santa Monica.
- Film and television nominations will be announced on 4 December.
Explained simply
The Critics Choice Awards recognise work in film and television, with winners chosen by members of the Critics Choice Association, a group of critics and entertainment journalists. The ceremony is one of the early events in the annual awards season, when films and television programmes compete for industry prizes.
Janelle James is a comedian and actor best known for playing Principal Ava Coleman in the comedy series Abbott Elementary. Her awards recognition includes Emmy nominations for the role and a Critics Choice win for best supporting actress in a comedy series.