Critics Choice Awards Adds New Categories as Chelsea Handler Returns to Host

The Critics Choice Awards has added four new categories to this year’s celebration of critics’ picks for the best in film and TV: best variety series, stunt design, casting/ensemble and sound.

The additional categories were announced Monday along with news that Chelsea Handler would return to host the annual awards show for the fourth year in a row. Also, the Critics Choice Association has consolidated the announcement of its film and TV nominations, all of which will be revealed on Friday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. PT ahead of the awards show on Jan. 4, 2026.

“Kicking off the year with the Critics Choice Awards feels right — nothing says ‘new beginnings’ like a room full of critics ready to tell you how you did last year,” Handler said in a statement.

CCA CEO Joey Berlin added, “Chelsea Handler is the best awards show host in the world. We are absolutely thrilled to have her back on our stage, mixing her trademark mix of humor and heart in front of hundreds of stars who enjoy her as much as we do. Recognizing and celebrating the most deserving achievements in film and television is important, but it’s also great fun and Chelsea is the perfect person to lead the parade.”

The additional categories come after the CCA’s TV nominating committee decided last year that only shows that “involve conversation” should be eligible for the best talk show award, which Last Week Tonight had won for the previous four ceremonies. The change meant Last Week Tonight was no longer eligible, and the HBO show elected to withdraw from consideration instead of competing in the best comedy series category.

The talk series change was meant to better align the Critics Choice Awards category with the Emmys’ talk series category, which was also adjusted to only include shows that primarily consist of interviews and panel discussions, putting Last Week Tonight in the scripted variety series category, where it’s won the Emmy at the past three ceremonies, often competing against more traditional variety series like Saturday Night Live.

The Critics Choice Awards nominations will be announced at 9 a.m. PT on Friday, Dec. 5 on E! and USA Network’s linear channels and streaming on CriticsChoice.com, E! Online and E! and USA’s YouTube channels. Nominations info will also be revealed on the CCA social media channels.

The 31st Critics Choice Awards are set to air live on Sunday, Jan. 4 from Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar on E! and USA from 7-10 p.m. ET and PT.

“We’re ecstatic to welcome Chelsea back to host Critics Choice Awards for another year — now airing on both E! and USA Network,” said Val Boreland, president of entertainment at Versant, the forthcoming NBCUniversal spinoff that will consist of E!, USA and other cable and digital assets. “Her sharp wit and captivating stage presence will surely make this show an unforgettable kickoff to awards season.”