Abbott Elementary star and award-winning comedian Janelle James is preparing to take center stage as the host of the 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards, set to air live on Sunday, January 3, 2027, from The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) officially announced James as this year’s host, bringing her signature comedic style and personality to one of Hollywood’s biggest celebrations of film and television. The ceremony will air simultaneously on E! and USA Network from 7:00–10:00 p.m. ET / 4:00–7:00 p.m. PT, marking the third consecutive year on E! and the second on USA Network.
The annual event will once again combine film and television categories, recognizing outstanding achievements across movies, television, and streaming platforms.
James has become one of television’s most recognizable comedic performers through her portrayal of Ava Coleman, the hilariously unpredictable principal on ABC’s critically acclaimed series Abbott Elementary. Her performance has earned her five consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, along with the 2026 Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
She has also received recognition from the Independent Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, and Television Critics Association, in addition to winning NAACP Image Awards in 2023 and 2026.
Her career extends well beyond Abbott Elementary. James was named one of Variety‘s 10 Comics to Watch in 2020 and was selected as a New Face at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival in 2016. She continues to perform stand-up comedy nationwide and will release her first hour-long Netflix comedy special, Janelle James: How Romantic, on November 10, 2026.
Her additional credits include Showtime’s Black Monday, Apple TV’s animated series Central Park, and the feature film One of Them Days, which earned her another NAACP Image Award nomination in 2026. James is also developing the Hulu comedy Rock City, which she is co-writing and executive producing alongside David Caspe.
CCA CEO Joey Berlin expressed excitement about James taking on hosting duties, emphasizing the organization’s long-standing tradition of celebrating excellence in entertainment.
“For over three decades, the Critics Choice Awards have been the place where the conversation about the year’s best work really takes off – and who better to host a show about the best of TV and film than one of the very best in the business?” Berlin said in the official announcement.
Val Boreland, President of Entertainment at VERSANT, also praised James’ comedic talent and unique perspective, expressing enthusiasm about welcoming her to the Critics Choice stage.
With her quick wit, commanding presence, and ability to deliver memorable comedic moments, James brings an exciting new energy to the upcoming ceremony.
When Will the Critics Choice Awards Nominations Be Announced?
Before Hollywood gathers for the ceremony in January, the nominees for the 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards will be revealed on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT.
Erin Lim Rhodes and Will Marfuggi of Live From E! will announce the nominations across both film and television categories. The announcement will be available through E!, USA Network, CriticsChoice.com, E! Online, and the organizations’ social media platforms.
The Critics Choice Awards have long played a significant role in awards season, with the organization’s selections often drawing attention as the industry moves closer to the Academy Awards.
The 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards will be executive-produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment.
How to Watch the 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards
The 32nd Annual Critics Choice Awards will air live on Sunday, January 3, 2027, on E! and USA Network, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.
For additional announcements and updates, visit CriticsChoice.com and follow @CriticsChoice on Instagram and X.
Stay tuned to The Buzz – BuzzWorthy Radio for more entertainment news and coverage of the 2027 awards season.
