Janelle James to Host Critics Choice Awards

Actress and comedian Janelle James will host the 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 3.

Known for her role as Ava Coleman on “Abbott Elementary,” for which she received five consecutive Emmy nominations, James was named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch in 2020 and will debut her first hour-long stand-up special on Netflix Nov. 10. James is currently developing Hulu comedy “Rock City” and previously wrote and acted on Showtime’s “Black Monday” and Apple TV’s “Central Park,” as well as starring in “One of Them Days.”

“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?” said Joey Berlin, the CEO of the Critics Choice Association. “We are so honored to have the incredible Janelle James join us to host this year’s Critics Choice Awards.”

Airing live on E! And USA Network at 4 p.m. PT, the awards celebrate the best achievements across film and television. Nominations will be announced Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. PT on E! and USA Network linear channels, as well as the Critics Choice website, E! Online and on CCA’s and E!’s social platforms.

The 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards are executive produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment and are represented by Dan Black at Greenberg Traurig. Comedian Chelsea Handler hosted the awards earlier this year, which recognized winners such as Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and Jessie Buckley.