Chelsea Handler thanks Lively and Baldoni at a ceremony
TV host Chelsea Handler “thanked” actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni during her opening monologue at the Critics Choice Awards on Friday night.
Acknowledging recent hardships faced by people in Los Angeles and across the country, the comedian emphasized the importance of having a “distraction” during such times.
While Handler’s remarks drew laughter from the audience, social media reactions were mixed, with some criticizing her for “trivializing” the ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni.
Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, 41, in December, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni has countersued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. Additionally, Baldoni has filed a libel lawsuit against The New York Times. Both sides strongly deny the allegations.
Handler kicked off the Santa Monica-based ceremony by honoring first responders who tackled recent deadly wildfires in Los Angeles.
“I want to acknowledge that we’ve been through a lot lately—not just here in Los Angeles, but across the country—waking up each day uncertain about the news that might disappoint or horrify us,” she said.
“So, in times like these, having a distraction is important. That’s why I want to extend my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.
“Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I’m grateful… I think everyone in this room, regardless of whose side they’re on, can agree there probably won’t be a sequel.”
Handler then quipped, “It ends with us, guys,” referencing the 2024 film It Ends With Us, in which Lively and Baldoni co-starred.
Neither Lively nor Baldoni attended the awards ceremony.
Footage shared online shows the audience responding positively to Handler’s monologue. However, social media reactions were divided, with some users on X calling her jokes “in poor taste.”
Meanwhile, Demi Moore continued her momentum in the Oscars race, winning Best Actress at Friday’s event.
The 62-year-old, who also took home the award at last month’s Golden Globes, has experienced a career resurgence thanks to her performance in the body horror film The Substance.
“This has been such a wild ride,” Moore said, expressing gratitude for critics who recognize “the profundity that horror films can hold” despite often being overlooked.
Her win edged out rival Karla Sofia Gascon, who starred in Emilia Perez and faced backlash over past tweets.
However, Emilia Perez still found success, with Zoe Saldana winning Best Supporting Actress.
The night concluded with Anora—a film about a stripper-turned-wife of a Russian oligarch’s spoiled son—winning Best Picture. Having missed out in earlier categories, Anora‘s victory shakes up the race for the Oscars’ top prize next month.
Other wins on the night included Adrian Brody, who won best actor for his role in the historical epic The Brutalist, and Jon M. Chu who won best director for Wicked.
