Sophia Michaels
At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, comedian Chelsea Handler delivered a performance that blended humor with her own life experiences. On February 7, dressed in a striking purple velvet gown, she aimed for laughs right from the start. Handler’s opening monologue included a joke about the unconventional relationship of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: “And now Ariana has found love with a Munchkin!” In addition, she addressed the serious topic of a sexual harassment lawsuit involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, calling it a “distraction” from significant news. However, her most controversial joke targeted Melania Trump and didn’t receive the response she anticipated.
Chelsea Handler hosting Friday night’s #CriticsChoiceAwards: “It was a huge year for biopics….Anora, about Melania Trump.” (IMDb on Anora: “A young sex worker from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch.” pic.twitter.com/qiZGajwHAW
— Brent Baker (@BrentHBaker) February 8, 2025
Handler humorously recounted the plethora of noteworthy biopics from the past year, mentioning titles like ‘A Complete Unknown’ about Bob Dylan and ‘Maria’ about Maria Callas, concluding with a mention of a fictional film titled ‘Anora’ based on Melania Trump. The film’s plot centers on Ani, a young escort who spirals into a turbulent romance and marriage with a wealthy oligarch’s son. Although the film’s premises reflect Melania’s story, the connection is only superficial.
In contrast, “Anora” ends with Ani facing pressure for an annulment, whereas Melania remains married and enjoys considerable support, with many praising her contributions to the White House. Handler’s quip did not sit well with Melania’s supporters, with comments on social media expressing disdain for the joke. Some users took to X to criticize Handler, wishing harm on her career. The audience’s laughter at Handler’s comment was notably subdued as well.
Handler’s Material Falls Short
The dynamics of Donald and Melania Trump’s marriage have always sparked curiosity, as their relationship does not encompass the typical expressions of love associated with romantic films. Speculation surrounds their possible separation, with Donald managing the White House while Melania remains at Trump Tower. Handler’s jest regarding Melania’s comparison to a stripper in ‘Anora’ felt out of place and unnecessary. Unlike Handler’s usual targets from the entertainment realm, Melania’s story lacks ties to the showbiz world, barring her past. The nude images from her earlier modeling days are almost two decades old.
Handler could have targeted Donald Trump instead, perhaps by referencing his own accolades or recent controversies. Joking about current events, like the controversies regarding the voting system and his role in the transgender rights debate, could have made for more substantive humor. However, Handler’s choice to mock Melania, who often finds herself in the easy target category, detracted from her credibility. Moreover, she trivialized serious issues like the Lively-Baldoni incident by attempting to inject humor into a situation that many viewers deemed no laughing matter. Consequently, Handler’s chances of returning to host the Critics Choice next year seem slim.
