Comedian Chelsea Handler delivered a powerful opening monologue at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, skillfully blending humor with heartfelt recognition of local heroes. The event, held at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, began with a poignant tribute to first responders who battled recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
Handler started by honoring firefighters, Red Cross workers, and Habitat for Humanity volunteers. “What we saw and the scope of loss was impossible to imagine,” she told the audience, leading a standing ovation that highlighted community resilience.
Shifting gears, the comedian showcased her trademark wit by targeting Hollywood personalities. She made light of recent legal issues surrounding actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, joking about their film “It Ends With Us” by quipping, “No matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree there’s probably not going to be a sequel.”
Her commentary on women in late-night television drew particular attention. Drawing from her own experience as E!’s former female late-night host, Handler observed the industry’s slow progress. “In 2025, the easiest way for a woman to get a late-night show is to get the creators of ‘Hacks’ to write a fictional story about it,” she said.
The show validated her joke when “Hacks” won three awards, including Best Actress in a Drama for Jean Smart.
Handler didn’t hold back on her playful critique of acclaimed actors. She humorously praised Ralph Fiennes for his diverse role choices, joking about his ability to make compelling characters across various genres. Her witty commentary extended to musical performances and dramatic roles, including observations about the film “Wicked” and Nicole Kidman’s performance in “Babygirl.”
The ceremony marked a return to awards season after wildfire-related delays. Handler’s approach demonstrated that awards show hosting can be both entertaining and sensitive, offering sharp commentary while respecting the broader context of community challenges.
By balancing humor with genuine appreciation for local heroes, Handler set a tone of resilience and unity for the evening’s festivities.
