At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Chelsea Handler attempted a rather pointed joke about Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater that fell flat among the attendees. Seated side by side, Grande and Slater posed gracefully for pictures during the Friday night (February 7) event. Handler, who was hosting the ceremony for the third consecutive year, turned her focus to the couple during her speech at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
"It's heartwarming to witness our cherished child stars blossom into thriving adults. Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande are all nominated tonight," Handler began, setting the stage for her jest. "And now, Ariana has even found love with a Munchkin from the Land of Oz," she quipped, eliciting a notably subdued reaction compared to the laughter that had greeted her other humorous remarks. Grande and Slater's romance had sparked in 2023 on the set of 'Wicked.'
Trying to mitigate the awkward silence, Handler insisted, "That's good news, folks." Slater had portrayed Boq, a Munchkinland character, in the film.
The pop sensation and actor have maintained a relatively private relationship. Grande was previously married to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, finalizing their divorce in March 2024. Slater, who shares a young child with his ex-wife, therapist Lilly Jay, had settled their divorce in September of the same year.
When it came to mentioning 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo, Handler heaped lavish praise on her performance. "My goodness," exclaimed the host. "You are the most radical hero of any movie this year, perhaps even this decade. And it's not just because you were green – it's because you were, and you remain, epic. It's truly an honor to share this space with you."
Handler then ventured into a punchline involving Erivo and Grande: "I absolutely loved the 'Wicked' press tour," she said. "The two of them were inseparable. I recall the first time I did molly – oh, wait, I mean, I remember the first time I saw their camaraderie!"
The 'Wicked' team brought home three accolades at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards: Jon M. Chu won Best Director, Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales were honored for Best Production Design, and Paul Tazewell took home the award for Best Costume Design. The film was nominated in a total of 11 categories, including Best Picture, which it lost to 'Anora.' Best Actress went to Demi Moore ('The Substance') instead of Erivo, while Best Supporting Actress was awarded to Zoe Saldaña ('Emilia Pérez') rather than Grande.
