Kristen Bell Shares Her Approach to Hosting Award Shows: Staying True to Herself and Her Love for Singing
This Sunday, March 1st, Kristen Bell will host the newly-renamed Actor Awards, presented by SAG-AFTRA. While expectations may lean toward a comedic roast similar to those of Nikki Glaser, Bell has other plans.
Addressing the possibility of political jokes or heavier topics, Bell stated, “It’s not my vibe. It never has been. Mainly because I wouldn’t do it well. I don’t really see the good that comes out of it. It doesn’t fall out of my mouth very well.”
She describes her approach as casual and welcoming, akin to hosting friends at home. “I like hosting. I’m a mom. Literally, there’s going to be a play date here — what time is it? In less than an hour. Sometimes we have two, three, four, five, six girls over here. I have dinner parties. I see the hosting gig as the same thing. I’m trying not to make it all about me.”
Despite her friendly demeanor, Bell acknowledges the temptation to poke fun at some of the esteemed attendees. “I wouldn’t say there’s anyone I’m afraid to make a joke about,” she remarked. “But understand that through the lens of my jokes are never going to tear a hole in your stomach. I have an aversion to mean jokes, so I call them goofs because it’s a slightly more playful name.”
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2025.
For Bell, this marks her third time hosting the ceremony, previously known as the SAG Awards. In 2018, she became the first person to host the show and returned in 2025, delighting audiences with her song “Do You Want to Be an Actor?” set to the tune of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from Frozen. Given her current work on Frozen III, she hinted that another musical number could be a possibility this year.
Reflecting on her memorable performance from 2025, she mused, “I wonder if I shot myself in the foot by doing the best song bit ever.” However, Bell emphasized that any potential performance must fit the event’s theme, saying, “People are not tuning in for a Kristen Bell concert.”
To manage her nerves, Bell has a practical strategy: taking beta blockers. “I take them when I sing and then I took one before I host, and it was great because it just takes the heart palpitations away,” she explained. “I get anticipation and excitement, but not a paralyzing nervousness.”
Looking back at past experiences, Bell shared a fond memory from her 2018 hosting. She encountered Sam Rockwell backstage and took a moment to express her admiration. “I know this is so annoying, but I have to just get it out of my body and let the compliment land on you.”
Bell advocates for sharing compliments freely. “I’m a big believer that when you have a compliment inside you, you’ve got to give it away.”
The 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA will stream live globally on Netflix Sunday, March 1 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
