Chelsea Handler Roasts Hollywood at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards

From Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Feud to Ariana Grande’s Love Life, No One Was Safe

Chelsea Handler took center stage at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, proving once again that no topic is off-limits when she has a microphone in hand. The comedian, known for her sharp wit and fearless commentary, wasted no time diving into some of Hollywood’s most talked-about controversies—including the ongoing legal battle between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

“I want to acknowledge that we’ve been through a lot lately, not just here in Los Angeles, but our entire country—waking up every day not knowing what news we’re going to hear that will disappoint or horrify us,” Handler quipped. “So it is 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.”

The audience chuckled as she continued, “Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I’m grateful. I think we’re all grateful. And I think we’re good. 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.”

The joke landed as a not-so-subtle dig at the controversy surrounding the film, which has been overshadowed by allegations of sexual harassment against Baldoni. Handler’s punchline cleverly played on the title of the movie, suggesting that audiences wouldn’t be seeing a follow-up anytime soon.

But Lively and Baldoni weren’t the only celebrities to feel the sting of Handler’s jokes. She quickly turned her sights on Ariana Grande’s high-profile romance with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

“It is so nice to see some of our most beloved child stars all grown up and thriving: Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande are all nominated tonight,” Handler said, before delivering her next punchline. “And now Ariana has even found love—with a Munchkin!”

The audience’s reaction was mixed, with some appearing confused and others unsure whether to laugh at the joke referencing Slater’s role as Boq, a Munchkin, in Wicked. The murmuring in the room suggested that the quip may have landed a little too hard. Not one to back down, Handler doubled down: “That’s good news, everybody!”

However, her next Wicked-related joke fared much better. “I loved the Wicked press tour,” she said of Grande and her co-star Cynthia Erivo. “The two of them all over each other. I remember the first time I did molly.”

The playful comparison to the euphoric effects of the party drug had the audience roaring with laughter, proving that when Handler finds the right target, her humor is as sharp as ever.

The night was filled with Hollywood’s biggest stars and most memorable moments, but Handler’s fearless hosting ensured that the 2025 Critics Choice Awards would be remembered for more than just the winners. With her signature blend of biting humor and pop culture commentary, she reminded everyone why awards season wouldn’t be complete without a little comedic chaos.