Chelsea Handler took center stage as the host of the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Friday night, delivering a memorable opening 

that blended heartfelt tributes with her signature humor. 

As the audience settled into their seats at the prestigious event, Handler kicked off the evening with a poignant and emotional tribute to the firefighters 

and first responders who courageously battled the devastating fires in Los Angeles last month.

In a show of solidarity and respect, the entire room, including A-list celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldaña, and Sarah Michelle Gellar, rose to their feet in applause. 

The standing ovation highlighted the gravity of the moment and the collective admiration for the brave individuals who risked their lives during a critical time in the city.

Handler, never one to shy away from using humor to transition between moments, seamlessly segued into a light-hearted joke. She turned the spotlight to the ongoing drama between *It Ends With Us* co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who have recently found themselves involved in dueling lawsuits. Handler, known for her quick wit and comedic timing, remarked:

“I want to acknowledge that we’ve all been through a lot lately, not just here in Los Angeles, but across the entire country. Waking up every day, not knowing what news we’re going to hear that will disappoint or horrify us.”

She continued with her signature sarcasm: “So, it’s important in times like these to have a distraction. And that’s why I want to personally extend my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I’m grateful, and I think we’re all grateful. And I think we’re good.”

Handler’s playful remark about the lawsuit quickly struck a chord with the audience. She added, “I think everybody in this room, no matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree to accept that there’s probably not gonna be a sequel.” The room erupted with laughter, and the camera even panned to *Pirates of the Caribbean* star Orlando Bloom, who appeared to enjoy Handler’s sharp-tongued jest. The joke was a perfect mix of humor and the kind of irreverence Handler is known for.

Next, Handler playfully introduced a family moment, calling out “nepo baby” Kate Hudson and her brother’s wife, Erinn Bartlett, as the presenters of the evening’s first award. The pair went on to present the award for Best Ensemble, which was awarded to *Conclave*, a film starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. The comedic chemistry between Handler and her guests set the tone for an evening of laughter and celebration.

The night was filled with more moments of humor and lightheartedness, one of which came from actor Michael Urie during his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor. Urie, known for his sharp wit, joked about the legendary Harrison Ford, claiming Ford was the best “up-and-coming” actor after their work together on the Apple TV+ series *Shrinking*. The playful comment had the audience in stitches, further illustrating the light-hearted atmosphere Handler had expertly cultivated throughout the evening.

As the night unfolded, Handler’s presence as a host continued to shine. While she expertly navigated the balance between laughter and more serious moments, it was her comedic timing and relatability that truly captured the spirit of the evening. Her quick-witted jokes about current events, celebrity drama, and pop culture kept the audience engaged and entertained.

Handler’s hosting duties at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards were a hit, with the event marked by laughter, heartfelt tributes, and an overall celebratory tone. Her opening tribute to the firefighters and first responders set a respectful and reflective tone, while her later jokes provided the much-needed moments of levity that have made Handler such a beloved figure in comedy. As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Handler had successfully brought her unique brand of humor and warmth to one of Hollywood’s most prestigious events. Whether addressing serious topics or making light of celebrity squabbles, Handler proved once again that she’s one of the best in the business when it comes to hosting an awards show with style and substance.

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