Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater weren't hiding their affection for each other at the Critics Choice Awards, even after Chelsea Handler poked fun at their relationship in her opening monologue.
Handler, known for her sharp wit, quipped, "It's nice to see some of our most beloved child stars grown up and thriving. Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande are all nominated. Now Ariana has found love with a munchkin," referencing Slater's role as Boq in the "Wicked" movie.
The joke, however, didn't quite land as expected, met with a lukewarm response from the audience. Perhaps the awkwardness of the couple being seated together contributed to the muted reaction.
Grande and Slater opted to walk the red carpet separately but chose to sit side by side during the ceremony. Grande looked stunning in a nude floral appliqué gown with a mesh corset and a striking cage-style skirt. She complemented the look with a sleek bun and glittering silver earrings.
Slater, meanwhile, looked dapper in a dark grey double-breasted suit with black velvet lapels, buttons, and detailing on the pockets.
Throughout the evening, the couple was seen getting cozy, with Grande resting her hand on Slater's leg at one point while leaning in to whisper. They were spotted giggling together, seemingly unfazed by Handler's comment, and enjoying the night in high spirits.
Grande and Slater's romance blossomed in the summer of 2023 after meeting on the set of "Wicked." While they initially kept their relationship under wraps, they've become more open about their affection this year. They made a joint appearance at the National Board of Review Gala in New York City earlier this year, where they were photographed dancing and embracing.
Although they didn't walk the red carpet together at the Critics Choice Awards, they did at the Gala alongside their "Wicked" co-stars. Shortly after, Slater paid tribute to Grande on Instagram after she received her first Oscar nomination for her role as Glinda in the film. He posted a photo of Grande's back in an oversized white jumper holding pink balloons, without a caption, but his pride for his girlfriend was evident.
Grande was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Critics Choice Awards but lost to Zoe Saldaña for her role in "Emilia Pérez." Cynthia Erivo was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba in "Wicked," but the award went to Demi Moore for her role in "The Substance."