Chelsea Handler Celebrates Rob Reiner and Wife at Critics Choice Awards
Chelsea Handler delivered a heartfelt tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards held on January 4 in Los Angeles. The event was overshadowed by tragedy, as the couple had been murdered in their Brentwood home on December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged in the case and is scheduled to appear in court on January 7.
Chelsea Handler’s Tribute
Opening her monologue, Handler emphasized Rob Reiner’s kind nature. “Everyone in this room knows that the nicest guy in Hollywood was Rob Reiner,” she stated. Her words resonated with the audience, highlighting Reiner’s ability to make anyone feel like an old friend.
Handler shared a recent interaction with Reiner, who had positively responded to her light-hearted discussion about plastic surgery. “He wrote, ‘Thanks for explaining so much about plastic surgery, it was very edifying,’” she recalled.
The comedian emphasized the Reiners’ commitment to important causes, connecting this to a broader message. “It all stemmed from one basic idea: decency,” said Handler. “I think we can all agree that we definitely need more of that value.”
Light-Hearted Moments
Even with the somber backdrop, Handler managed to inject humor into the night. She made a playful jab at Leonardo DiCaprio, who missed a prior awards ceremony due to travel delays. “Leo’s here, thank God,” she quipped, referencing his struggle to leave a tropical vacation.
- Handler’s jokes included comments about DiCaprio being stuck on a boat in St. Barts.
- She compared the situation to “The Titanic,” adding humor by noting Jeff Bezos’ presence.
Despite the mixed emotions of the evening, Handler’s tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner served as a poignant reminder of their impact, both personally and philanthropically.
