Janelle James to Host Critics Choice Awards 2027

GLAMBOT Behind The Scenes: Critics Choice Awards 2026Prepare for a master class in hosting from Janelle James. The Abbott Elementary star will host the 2027 Critics Choice Awards, airing live on E! and USA Jan. 3 from The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. “For over three decades, the Critics Choice Awards have been the place where the conversation about the year’s best work really takes off," Critics Choice Association (CCA) CEO Joey Berlin said in a statement Oct. 29, "and who better to host a show about the best of TV and film than one of the very best in the business?" Especially since James "brings a singular comedic voice and sharp point of view to the stage," according to Versant president of entertainment Val Boreland. "The Critics Choice Awards celebrate the year’s most exceptional work across film and television," Boreland added, "and we look forward to once again sharing this special night with audiences on E! and USA Network."As for the nominees? Those hoping to score top marks will have to wait until Dec. 4, when nominations will be announced by Live From E!'s Erin Lim Rhodes and Will Marfuggi at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT on E! and USA Network linear channels, along with CriticsChoice.com, E! Online, and on CCA's and E!'s social platforms. And for those who have been taking notes, James is no stranger to the Critics Choice Awards. After all, the 47-year-old was nominated in the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category four times before winning earlier this year for her performance as Abbott Elementary principal Ava Coleman.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic"Thank you so much to the critics for critiquing so critically," she quipped while accepting her award. "Four times means we've been on the air five seasons and I can sincerely say that I love everybody I work with. I've grown to know them and love them." James jokingly added, "And shout out to me for remaining kind when it seems like I don't have to be and probably make a lot of more money, but I do it anyway." Keep reading to revisit the 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet. (E! and USA are both part of Versant Media.)Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockTeyana Taylorin Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Frazer Harrison / Staff / GETTY IMAGESJessica Bielin Lanvin. Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGESAriana Grandein custom Alberta Ferretti, Christian Louboutin and Swarovski jewelry. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationPaul Mescalin custom Gucci and Cartier.Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesJacob Elordiin Bottega Veneta, Oliver Peoples and Cartier. Frazer Harrison / Staff / GETTY IMAGESMichael B. Jordanin custom Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationLeighton Meester & Adam Brodyin Carolina Herrera and Chopard jewelry (Meester); Valentino and Jager Le Coultre wath (Brody). Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockAlexander Skarsgardin Valentino. Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGESAdam Scott & Naomi Scottin Dolce & Gabbana. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationMarcello Hernandezin Dolce & Gabbana. Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesMckenna Gracein vintage Vera Wang and Chopard diamonds. Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesKrys Marshallin Sehnsucht Atelier. Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockRhea Seehornin custom Louis Vuitton and Brilliant Earth jewelry.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationNicole Brydon Bloomin Akris.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationSara Wells & Noah Wylein Brioni (Wyle). Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockAdam Sandler & Jackie SandlerMonica Schipper/Getty ImagesLeo Woodallin Paul Smith.Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGESRyan Coogler & Zinzi Cooglerin custom Louis Vuitton.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationKatherine LaNasa & Grant Showin custom Louis Vuitton and Messika jewelry (LaNasa). Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockSeth Rogenin Zegna.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationSarah Shahiin Georges Hobeika.Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationGinnifer Goodwin & Josh Dallasin Giorgio Armani and a Tyler Ellis bag(Goodwin).John Shearer/Getty Images for Critics Choice AssociationIke Barinholtzin Dior. Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGESJimmy Kimmel & Molly McNearneyin Alex Perry, Tyler Ellis purse and Manolo Blahnik shoes (McNearney). Monica Schipper / Staff / GETTY IMAGESSterling K. Brownin Brunello Cucinelli, Jacques Marie Mage glasses, Omega watch, Rachel Katz Jewelry cufflinks, Effy Jewelry rings and Melinda Maria earrings. Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockSarah Snookin Akris and Chopard. Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockTramell Tillmanin Anamika Khanna and Lagos Diamonds jewelry. Monica Schipper / Staff / GETTTY IMAGESNatasha Lyonnein Celine and Le Vian and L'Dezen jewelry.Frazer Harrison / Staff / GETTY IMAGESChase Infinitiin custom Louis Vuitton and Messika jewelry. Rob Latour/ShutterstockOwen Cooperin Bottega Veneta. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App