Critics Choice Awards: Why Chelsea Handler Thanked Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni for the Distraction
Chelsea Handler knows it’s been a long year already and it’s only February.
So, hosting the Critics Choice Awards for the third time, she wanted to focus on what there is to be grateful for.
“It’s important in times like these to have a distraction,” the comedian said in her opening monologue. “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.”
Handler was of course referring to the ongoing legal battle between the It Ends With Us costars. Which, as the emcee also insinuated, shows no signs of ending anytime soon (though one can always hope).
“I’m grateful, I think we’re all grateful—and I think we’re good!” Handler continued. “I think everybody in this room, no matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree to accept that there’s probably not going to be a sequel. It ends with us, guys.” (See all the fashion on everyone who was in the room for the 2025 Critics Choice Awards.)
The 49-year-old also gave herself a self-deprecating shout-out, noting that her three-year run with the ceremony made it her “second-longest relationship.”
