The 2025 Critics Choice Awards, held on February 7 in Santa Monica, California, kicked off with a bang as host Chelsea Handler took the stage for her opening monologue. Known for her sharp wit and fearless humor, Handler didn’t miss a beat—even with a visible bandage on her arm. Instead of ignoring it, she turned the injury into one of the night’s funniest moments, proving once again why she’s one of the most beloved comedians in the business.
As Handler walked onto the stage, the audience immediately noticed the bandage wrapped around her forearm. Without skipping a beat, she addressed it head-on. “I know what you’re all thinking,” she began, holding up her arm. “Did Chelsea finally get that bionic arm upgrade? Or did she lose a fight with a paper shredder?” The crowd erupted in laughter as Handler leaned into the bit, spinning a series of hilarious theories about how she might have gotten hurt.
“For the record,” she continued, “it was neither. I actually got this trying to wrestle an award out of Meryl Streep’s hands. Spoiler alert: she won.” The joke landed perfectly, with the camera cutting to Streep, who was seen laughing and shaking her head in mock disapproval. Handler’s ability to poke fun at herself while also playfully ribbing one of Hollywood’s most revered actresses set the tone for the evening.
Handler didn’t stop there. She went on to joke that the bandage was a “fashion statement,” comparing it to the latest trends on the red carpet. “I mean, if you can wear a dress made of recycled plastic, why not a bandage that says, ‘I’m clumsy but fabulous’?” she quipped. Her self-deprecating humor and quick wit kept the audience in stitches, and the bandage became a running gag throughout the night.
During a later segment, Handler even incorporated the injury into a bit about the challenges of hosting. “Hosting an awards show is harder than it looks,” she said, pretending to struggle with opening an envelope. “Especially when you’re down an arm. But don’t worry, I’ve got this. I’ve been practicing my one-handed envelope skills all week.” The bit was met with applause and laughter, showcasing Handler’s ability to turn what could have been an awkward moment into comedy gold.
Handler’s handling of the situation (pun intended) was a masterclass in comedic timing and improvisation. It also highlighted her resilience and ability to find humor in everyday mishaps—a quality that has endeared her to fans for years. Social media quickly lit up with praise for the host, with many calling her monologue one of the best in recent memory. “Only Chelsea Handler could turn a bandage into the funniest moment of the night,” one fan tweeted.
By the end of the ceremony, the bandage had become a symbol of Handler’s infectious humor and unflappable charm. It was a reminder that even in the glitzy, high-pressure world of awards shows, there’s always room for a good laugh—especially when it comes at the host’s own expense. Chelsea Handler didn’t just host the 2025 Critics Choice Awards; she owned the night, bandage and all.
