Janelle James to Host Critics Choice Awards 2027

Oct 29, 2026 - 20:03
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Janelle James to Host Critics Choice Awards 2027

Abbott Elementary star Janelle James will host the 2027 Critics Choice Awards, airing live on E! and USA Jan. 3 from The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif.

GLAMBOT Behind The Scenes: Critics Choice Awards 2026

Prepare 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/Shutterstock

Teyana Taylor

in Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. 

Frazer Harrison / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Jessica Biel

in Lanvin. 

Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Ariana Grande

in custom Alberta Ferretti, Christian Louboutin and Swarovski jewelry. 

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Paul Mescal

in custom Gucci and Cartier.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Jacob Elordi

in Bottega Veneta, Oliver Peoples and Cartier. 

Frazer Harrison / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Michael B. Jordan

in custom Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin. 

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Leighton Meester & Adam Brody

in Carolina Herrera and Chopard jewelry (Meester); Valentino and Jager Le Coultre wath (Brody). 

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Alexander Skarsgard

in Valentino. 

Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Adam Scott & Naomi Scott

in Dolce & Gabbana. 

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Marcello Hernandez

in Dolce & Gabbana. 

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Mckenna Grace

in vintage Vera Wang and Chopard diamonds. 

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Krys Marshall

in Sehnsucht Atelier. 

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Rhea Seehorn

in custom Louis Vuitton and Brilliant Earth jewelry.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Nicole Brydon Bloom

in Akris.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Sara Wells & Noah Wyle

in Brioni (Wyle). 

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Adam Sandler & Jackie Sandler

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Leo Woodall

in Paul Smith.

Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Ryan Coogler & Zinzi Coogler

in custom Louis Vuitton.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Katherine LaNasa & Grant Show

in custom Louis Vuitton and Messika jewelry (LaNasa). 

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Seth Rogen

in Zegna.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Sarah Shahi

in Georges Hobeika.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Ginnifer Goodwin & Josh Dallas

in Giorgio Armani and a Tyler Ellis bag(Goodwin).

John Shearer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Ike Barinholtz

in Dior. 

Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Jimmy Kimmel & Molly McNearney

in Alex Perry, Tyler Ellis purse and Manolo Blahnik shoes (McNearney). 

Monica Schipper / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Sterling K. Brown

in Brunello Cucinelli, Jacques Marie Mage glasses, Omega watch, Rachel Katz Jewelry cufflinks, Effy Jewelry rings and Melinda Maria earrings. 

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Sarah Snook

in Akris and Chopard. 

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Tramell Tillman

in Anamika Khanna and Lagos Diamonds jewelry. 

Monica Schipper / Staff / GETTTY IMAGES

Natasha Lyonne

in Celine and Le Vian and L'Dezen jewelry.

Frazer Harrison / Staff / GETTY IMAGES

Chase Infiniti

in custom Louis Vuitton and Messika jewelry. 

Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Owen Cooper

in Bottega Veneta. 

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