Chelsea Handler on Hosting the Critics Choice Awards and Celebrating an ‘Incredible Year’ for Women and ‘Horny’ Movies

Jenelle Riley

Chelsea Handler is taking some time off from her “Little Big Bitch” comedy tour and relaxing at her ski house in Whistler, Canada, to host Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards, airing live at 7 p.m. ET on the CW. This marks the second year in a row the comedian and best-selling author will anchor the show, which she describes as “really fun.” In fact, that lighthearted atmosphere is part of what’s bringing her back. “People are drinking, it’s a relaxed vibe. I’m sure I’ll be microdosing on one thing or another.” Read on to hear Handler’s recommendations of the year’s horniest movies and what to expect on Sunday night.

The Critics Choice Awards honor film and television — are you caught up on all the nominees?

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Oh, I watch everything. I’ve been watching every movie and show up here in my little chalet in preparation. There’s a lot of horny movies out there — a lot of horniness.

What are the horny movies that spring to mind?

Well, there’s “Saltburn,” there’s “Poor Things,” there’s “All of Us Strangers…” There’s a lot of sexuality happening, and I’m all for it.

This is your second time in a row hosting the Critics’ Choice Awards. What brought you back?

I didn’t think I would want to host an awards show but when they asked me [last year] I thought, “It’s not the Globes, it’s not the Oscars, there’s a lot of latitude for fun and high vibes.” And that’s what I wanted to bring to the table — to make it a celebration and a fun night. I enjoyed it so much that when they asked me again, it was a no-brainer.

When you said it’s not those other shows, do you mean there’s less pressure?

It just seems like a little bit more casual, not as high-octane. It’s a Critics’ Choice Award, it’s a huge honor, but it feels like more of a celebration than some other shows.

In your opinion, what is the role of a good host?

To bring the energy. To make everyone feel comfortable. I’m going to have a great time and when the host is having a great time, it’s infectious. You learn that as a stand-up comedian — when you’re in a good mood, everyone’s in a good mood.

Are there any nerves about being in a room full of critics? I don’t know what your relationship with critics and reviews are.

Oh, no, there are no nerves. I lost my inclination to care about critics’ feelings about me a long time ago. I don’t seek out what other people are saying about me. I just try to be very good at my job and serve up the good vibes. That’s been my motto for the last few years, and it’s been working well for me.

Are those feelings something you sort of had to develop over time?

Of course. It’s an evolution to learn to let things roll off your back. Also, I’ve been doing this for so long that you develop a competence and self-assuredness after a certain amount of time. I know how to get in the right headspace. I know how to prepare for something like this.

I think at a certain point the more you do this, and also the older you get, you the more you realize you can’t be for everyone.

No, I’m definitely not for everyone. That is very clear. Nor do I desire to be. I don’t think that that’s the avenue to pursue. You have to be distinctive. And if everyone thinks you’re great, then it seems something’s missing.

What are you looking forward to celebrating?

It’s been an incredible year for women. Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie basically saved our box office this year. That’s worth celebrating. Women have had success this year in all fields of entertainment, from music with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, to sports with Coco Gauff. Women’s volleyball and women’s soccer are crushing it this year. And nobody likes to see women succeed as much as another woman.

Since we’re on the subject of hosting, you were so fantastic in “The Daily Show.” Any chance you’ll be going back soon?

Thank you! No, I don’t. They had an opportunity to get me and then missed that window. So I’m no longer available for that. I thought that was a no-brainer, but some things just aren’t meant to be.

I’m sorry to hear that, you were really great.

Well, I’m enjoying the life I’ve carved out for myself; I get to really delve into my creative side. I get to live this gorgeous life where I get to travel and do all the things I love to do. I like setting an example for women that you don’t have to listen to what everybody tells you to do, but you can do your own thing and be a huge success and find true joy and abundant happiness within that.

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