At a Glance
- Ego Nwodim announced her departure from Saturday Night Live after seven seasons at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
- She is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her SNL performances.
- She shared advice on leaving fans wanting more and discussed her future plans.
- Why it matters: Fans and industry insiders gain insight into how a top comedian transitions from a long-running show to new opportunities.
After announcing her exit from Saturday Night Live, comedian Ego Nwodim took the stage at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards to explain her decision and celebrate her nomination.
Leaving SNL
Nwodim said she had accomplished a lot during her time on the show and wanted to use the skills she learned to explore new projects.
Ego Nwodim said:
> “Here’s the thing: You’re gonna want to leave people wanting more, as opposed to people being tired of you,”
Ego Nwodim added:
> “That’s my word of advice. You’re gonna want to leave you on a high note. So, it just felt like time.”
She explained that leaving on a high note felt like the right moment after seven unforgettable seasons.
Critics Choice Recognition
Nwodim is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her SNL performances at the Chelsea Handler-hosted event.
Ego Nwodim said:
> “The critics, they are not easy,”
Ego Nwodim added:
> “Criticize is what they do. They said, ‘We respect what you do.’ And I am so honored by that.”
- Nominated at Critics Choice Awards 2026
- Category: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Event hosted by Chelsea Handler
She expressed disbelief when she learned of the nomination, saying she was screaming in her apartment.
Ego Nwodim said:
> “I was screaming in my apartment,”
Ego Nwodim added:
> “I’m pretty sure the neighbors called the front desk on me.”
Looking Ahead
Nwodim posted on Instagram in September that she had decided to leave SNL, thanking Lorne Michaels, castmates, writers, and crew.
Ego Nwodim wrote:
> “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,”
Ego Nwodim added:
> “But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.”
Ego Nwodim continued:
> “I am immensely grateful to Lorne [Michaels] for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship,”
Ego Nwodim added:
> “Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories, and that laughter, with me always.”
She concluded with a playful note about a Hawaiian vacation and the possibility of others joining SNL.
Ego Nwodim said:
> “Take a Hawaiian vacation and you, too, can go on SNL!”
Key Takeaways
- Nwodim left SNL after seven seasons, citing a desire to grow beyond the show.
- She is nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards for her SNL performances.
- Her Instagram message thanked key collaborators and highlighted the joy she gained from the show.
Closing: “Nwodim’s candid reflections offer fans a glimpse into the next chapter of a beloved comedian’s career.”
