Chelsea Handler Launches New Show
Comedian Chelsea Handler has officially launched her new show by hosting the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. This prestigious event took place on a Sunday night and marked the beginning of the awards season.
Honoring Rob and Michele Reiner
During her opening monologue, Handler paid tribute to the late Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner. She described Rob as “the nicest guy in Hollywood” and emphasized his warm personality and engaging presence.
- Handler praised Rob and Michele for their commitment to decency and community support.
- She encouraged attendees to remember the values represented by the Reiners throughout the evening.
Humor and Jabs at Hollywood
Handler’s comedic style shone as she humorously critiqued the Hollywood scene. She playfully noted that the nominees should expect to see a lot of each other in the coming months. “Whoever wins tonight, get used to seeing them win,” she remarked.
She also took aim at Leonardo DiCaprio’s attendance, quipping that he almost missed the event due to being “trapped on a boat in St. Bart’s”—which she likened to the Titanic, but with Jeff Bezos onboard.
Roasting Industry Figures
Handler didn’t shy away from addressing prominent industry figures. She made a pointed joke about Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and his recent project, “Sinners.”
- “Sinners,” featuring Michael B. Jordan, tells the tale of brothers running an entertainment venue that gets overrun by vampires.
- Handler humorously referenced the original character name, suggesting it mirrored Zaslav’s influence.
As Handler delivered these jabs, Michael B. Jordan could be seen on screen reacting to her humor.
Broadcast and Nominee Updates
The 31st Critics Choice Awards was broadcast live on E! and USA Network, with real-time updates available for the nominees in both film and television categories. The ceremony promises to be an exciting start to the 2026 awards season, showcasing the industry’s finest talent.
