Chelsea Handler’s Hilarious Monologue at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards
Chelsea Handler brought her signature wit and humor to the stage as the host of the 2025 Critics Choice Awards. In her third stint as host, Handler didn’t hold back in poking fun at various celebrities, including Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, Colin Farrell, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Nicole Kidman. She even addressed the ongoing legal battle between Baldoni and Lively in a lighthearted manner.
Handler began her monologue by acknowledging the challenging times we live in, where everyday news can be disappointing or horrifying. She emphasized the importance of having distractions during such times and thanked Baldoni and Lively for providing that distraction. Despite the serious undertones, Handler managed to infuse humor into her remarks, keeping the audience entertained.
The host also took a moment to appreciate the first responders and firefighters who helped the community during the L.A. wildfires, which had previously caused the Critics Choice Awards to be postponed twice. Handler’s gratitude towards these heroes set a positive tone for the evening and underscored the importance of recognizing and thanking those who serve their communities.
One of the highlights of Handler’s monologue was her playful jab at Ariana Grande for her off-screen romance with her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater. Handler congratulated Grande on her newfound love with a “munchkin” and light-heartedly joked about the unconventional pairing. Her ability to blend humor with pop culture references added a fun element to the evening.
In a pre-show interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Handler hinted at the excitement of returning as host for the Critics Choice Awards, describing it as reuniting with an “ex-lover.” Her confident and unapologetic approach to comedy resonated with the audience and showcased her comedic prowess.
Overall, Chelsea Handler’s opening monologue at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards was a perfect blend of humor, wit, and lightheartedness. Her ability to address current events while keeping the audience engaged and entertained solidified her reputation as a top comedian and host in the industry.