Critics Choice Awards 2026 Hosts & Presenters

It’s here! The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards is officially going down tonight, Sunday, January 4, 2026, and this year’s ceremony feels extra electric. With Hollywood’s best of film and television all under one glittering roof (and a stacked roster of presenters) this feels like the perfect kickoff to award season. The entire event airs live at 7:00pm ET on E! and USA with streaming available on USANetwork.com and through apps for USA, E!, SYFY, and Oxygen.

Whether you’re couch-watching the red carpet or staying up for the final envelope moments, this year promises a lot. Big moments, great energy, and all the buzz we’ve been craving after an interesting 2025. Let’s break down who’s leading the show and who you’ll see handing out trophies tonight.

Chelsea Handler Stepping Back Into the Spotlight

Making us laugh, keeping it real, and now hosting again; Chelsea Handler returns for the Critics Choice Awards. Handler shared a fun post on Instagram on January 3, writing, “Transitioning from a ski bum into a butterfly. See you tomorrow night at the Critics Choice Awards.” That’s the energy we love: relatable, slightly chaotic, and totally iconic. Handler’s return feels like a warm (and witty) hug after a year full of standout films and shows.

This marks another night where Chelsea’s voice (equal parts smart and sassy) will guide us through the winners, surprises, and unforgettable acceptance speeches. Her presence sets a tone that’s playful yet respectful of the art and talent we’re celebrating.

Hollywood’s Finest (& Most Fun) Take the Stage

The presenter list for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards is a mix of big stars, rising talent, and creative powerhouses. It’s genuinely one of those lineups that makes you sit up a little straighter when your fave’s name pops on screen. 

Here’s everyone who is slated to take the stage tonight as a presenter (per Just Jared): Ali Larter, Alicia Silverstone, Allison Janney, Arden Cho, Ava DuVernay, Bradley Whitford, Billy Bob Thornton, Diego Luna, EJAE, Hannah Einbinder, Jeff Goldblum, Jessica Williams, Justin Hartley, Justin Sylvester, Kaley Cuoco, Kate Hudson, Keltie Knight, Marcello Hernández, McKenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Noah Schnapp, Owen Cooper, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Rhea Seehorn, Sebastian Maniscalco, and William H. Macy.

From Jeff Goldblum’s unforgettable stage presence to Ava DuVernay’s directorial seriousness, and Regina Hall’s infectious charm, this is a lineup that feels like both a celebration and a party. Throw in rising stars like EJAE and McKenna Grace alongside seasoned legends like Allison Janney and Billy Bob Thornton (yep, you read that right) and you’ve got a mix that’s both classy and fun, yet totally unpredictable.

Let’s be real; everything is pointing to an unforgettable evening of celebration. Lively speeches, dresser-disaster TikToks, and maybe even a viral acceptance moment. Here’s to Critics Choice 2026… let the fun begin!

And don’t forget: the show starts at 7:00pm ET on E! and USA.

The post Critics Choice Awards 2026 Hosts & Presenters appeared first on EntertainmentNow.