Chelsea Handler spared no expense in her opening soliloquy at the 2025 Critics' Choice Awards, marking her third stint as the ceremony's emcee. With wit as sharp as a tack, she skewered an array of celebrities, ensnaring the likes of Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, Colin Farrell, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Nicole Kidman, and a host of others in her comedic web. Amidst the laughter, she paused to address the ongoing legal saga between Baldoni and Lively.
"Let's be real," Handler began, "we've been through the wringer lately, not just here in sunny Los Angeles, but across our great nation. Each dawn, we wake up unsure of what headlines will dash our spirits or send shivers down our spines." She then added with a touch of levity, "In times like these, distractions are paramount. And for that, I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. You've given us just the reprieve we needed. I'm eternally grateful. I think we all are."
Addressing the star-studded audience once more, she quipped, "And I'd venture to say we're in good spirits! Regardless of which camp you hail from, we can all concur that a sequel to this saga is highly unlikely. It ends with us, folks."
The Critics' Choice Awards had faced two postponements due to the ravaging L.A. wildfires. As the show commenced, Handler took a moment to commend the first responders and firefighters who had lent a helping hand to the community, some of whom were present and received a thunderous standing ovation.
Handler also playfully acknowledged Grande's romance with her 'Wicked' co-star, Ethan Slater, who portrays a munchkin in the musical. She congratulated Grande, jesting, "It seems Ariana has found love with a munchkin. Here's some good news for everyone!"
Prior to the ceremony, which aired on E!, The Hollywood Reporter inquired if Handler felt she had "more leeway" than when she hosted on The CW. In response, Handler quipped, "Not necessarily. I've always been adept at pushing the envelope wherever I go. But hosting the Critics' Choice Awards is especially thrilling because it's like reuniting with an ex-lover I parted ways with years ago."
