Laverne Cox Is E!’s New Red Carpet Host

When it comes to televised red carpet coverage, E! reigns supreme. During awards season, the network’s former main TV hosts, Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest, have had front-row access to all of Hollywood's A-list stars during the Grammys, Oscars, and beyond. But earlier this year, Seacrest left the network, and two days ago, it was announced that Rancic was also leaving. Thankfully, the network has chosen a fresh Hollywood star to replace the two: actor Laverne Cox. 

Cox will take up the post beginning with the 2022 awards season. The actor is perhaps best known for playing Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black, a role that earned her an Emmy (the first time a trans person has won the acting award). She’ll be bringing her “passion for advocacy, fashion and fun” to the network, according to E!, while building out “a modern, inclusive and interactive experience for celebrities and their fans.” She’ll also host a series of televised celebrity interviews for the network as well, highlighting those who are “making an impact” in the Hollywood community.

“I'm so excited and deeply humbled to be hosting E!’s iconic red carpet coverage,” said Cox. “For many years, I would wake up early on awards show days, get my snacks in place, and watch E!’s coverage all day long. I dreamed of walking red carpets. Now, not only have I had several fun and amazing personal red carpet moments, I also get to be a red carpet guide for E!'s discerning audience, and chat with my colleagues and folks I deeply admire for these very special events in their lives. I can't wait to get started while hopefully serving up fashion fantasies for the ages, honey."    

Cox’s appointment at E! is a refreshing choice. A fierce LGBTQ+ activist, Cox has a strong commitment to equality and inclusivity—a spirit that has long been missing from E!’s red carpet coverage, which, at one point in time, was built around tearing down the “worst-dressed” celebrities instead of celebrating them. (Remember Fashion Police?). With Cox as host we foresee a smarter, and kinder, approach to covering fashion on the step and repeat. It’s a brand new era for E!, and it’s about time.