Janelle James to Host Critics Choice Awards 2027
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).
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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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