Chelsea Handler Opens Critics Choice With Humor and Heart
Comedian Chelsea Handler kicked off the 31st Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica with an opening monologue that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening. Handler, hosting the ceremony for the fourth consecutive year, balanced sharp comedy with heartfelt tribute and cultural commentary, setting a memorable tone for the awards season kickoff. The Hollywood Reporter+1
Handler’s remarks ranged from playful jabs at celebrities and industry figures to a poignant homage to the late Rob Reiner, showcasing her range as a host and entertainer.
A Tribute to Rob Reiner: Remembering “The Nicest Guy in Hollywood”
One of the most impactful moments of Handler’s monologue was her tribute to the late filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Just weeks after their tragic deaths in December 2025, Handler took a sincere moment to honor Reiner’s legacy of kindness and creativity. She described him as “the nicest guy in Hollywood,” highlighting his warmth, humor and commitment to social causes — urging the audience to carry forward the values of decency and compassion that defined his life and career. People.com+1
Handler’s tribute stood out amid the comedy and served as a touching reminder of Reiner’s impact on the entertainment community.
Sharp Humor and Celebrity Jabs
Handler didn’t shy away from poking fun at Hollywood and beyond. Among her humorous targets:
- Leonardo DiCaprio: Handler humorously referenced DiCaprio’s holiday travels and absence from the ceremony by joking about his New Year’s Eve plans on Jeff Bezos’ yacht, quipping it was “just like the Titanic — but worse because Bezos was there.”
- David Zaslav: The Warner Bros. Discovery CEO earned a comedic mention in a joke tying his influence to a recent blockbuster film’s performance.
- Popular Culture References: Handler balanced her jokes with broader references to trends in entertainment and television, engaging the audience with her characteristic bold wit.
Her blend of affectionate teasing and pop-culture insight showcased why she remains a sought-after host for major entertainment events.
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Setting the Stage for the Awards Season
Handler’s performance helped frame the Critics Choice Awards as both an awards celebration and a platform for reflection — on industry achievements and the lives of beloved creatives. The ceremony honored standout films and television shows from the past year, with winners celebrated across major categories. Wikipedia
Her ability to move fluidly between humor and heartfelt moments demonstrated her unique talent as an awards host.
Audience and Industry Reactions
Social media and entertainment circles reacted swiftly to Handler’s opening monologue. Viewers praised her tribute to Reiner for its sincerity and timing, while clips of her jokes about celebrity figures fueled discussions online, illustrating how easily a live awards show moment can spark cultural buzz. Vogue
Industry insiders noted that Handler’s blend of tribute, humor and commentary resonated with both the audience in the room and viewers watching from home.
What This Means for Chelsea Handler’s Legacy
Handler’s performance at the Critics Choice Awards reinforces her position as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and compelling hosts. Her ability to address serious topics with warmth and to skew comedy without malice continues to distinguish her work on live television. As awards season unfolds, Handler’s opening monologue will likely be remembered as a highlight that set the bar for wit, relevance and heart. The Hollywood Reporter
This article is intended for informational purposes only and reflects reporting at the time of publication. All views expressed are based on available coverage and may evolve as events develop. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently when using this information.