The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has officially announced that acclaimed comedian and award-winning actress Janelle James will step into the spotlight as the master of ceremonies for the 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards. The prestigious event is scheduled for Sunday, January 3, 2027, taking place live from The Barker Hangar located in Santa Monica, California.

Broadcasting rights remain with E! for the third consecutive year and USA Network for the second straight year. The ceremony will be transmitted live across both coasts from 7–10 p.m. ET / 4–7 p.m. PT. Maintaining its unified structure, the gala will honor superior achievements spanning cinematic features, television shows, and streaming projects alike.

Anticipation will build ahead of the ceremony when nominations are unveiled by Live From E! anchors Erin Lim Rhodes and Will Marfuggi on Friday, December 4, starting at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. This live broadcast will be available on E! and USA Network, alongside digital streaming on CriticsChoice.com, E! Online, and the official social media channels of both the CCA and E!

For over three decades, the Critics Choice Awards have been the place where the conversation about the year’s best work really 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? – CCA CEO Joey Berlin

Val Boreland, President of Entertainment at VERSANT, expressed equal enthusiasm regarding the selection. “Janelle brings a singular comedic voice and sharp point of view to the stage, and we’re thrilled to welcome her as host of the 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards. The Critics Choice Awards celebrate the year’s most exceptional work across film and television, and we look forward to once again sharing this special night with audiences on E! and USA Network.”

Star Power and Accolades

James commands widespread recognition for her unforgettable portrayal of Ava Coleman in ABC’s Emmy-nominated hit comedy Abbott Elementary. Expanding her streaming footprint, she is also set to launch her debut hour-long stand-up comedy special, Janelle James: How Romantic, on Netflix on November 10.

Her remarkable work on Abbott Elementary has garnered significant critical acclaim, highlighted by five consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and a 2026 Critics Choice Award in the exact same category. Furthermore, her talent has been acknowledged through nods from the Independent Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, and the Television Critics Association. James also secured NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in both 2023 and 2026, complemented by nominations in 2024 and 2025.

Recognized by Variety as one of the 10 Comics to Watch in 2020 and designated as a New Face at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival back in 2016, James regularly headlines nationwide comedy tours. Her comprehensive writing and acting resume includes contributions to Showtime’s Black Monday and Apple TV+’s Central Park. She additionally appeared in the feature-length film One of Them Days, securing a 2026 NAACP Image Award nomination for her efforts.

Currently, James is deep into the development of Rock City, an upcoming Hulu comedy series where she serves as co-writer and executive producer alongside David Caspe.

The Critics Choice Awards serve as an annual barometer of excellence within film and television, historically functioning as a reliable indicator for upcoming Academy Award nominations. Production duties for the 32nd annual gala will be spearheaded by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment, with legal representation managed by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

About the Critics Choice Association

Established in 1995, the Critics Choice Association (CCA) stands as one of the preeminent global critics organizations, uniting over 500 media critics and entertainment journalists. The association is universally recognized for producing the annual Critics Choice Awards, which have spotlighted pinnacle achievements in film and television for more than thirty years.

Dedicated to championing creative excellence and industry professionals across diverse genres, the CCA has continuously broadened its scope. Its expanded portfolio now features the Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Critics Choice Real TV Awards, and Critics Choice Super Awards. Additionally, the association orchestrates dedicated Celebration events designed to elevate historically underrepresented communities, encompassing the Celebration of Black Cinema and Television, Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television, Celebration of AAPI Cinema and Television, and Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Television.

The 32nd annual Critics Choice Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, January 3, 2027, via E! and USA Network from 7–10 p.m. ET / 4–7 p.m. PT.