How Chelsea Handler Honored Deceased A-Listers At The 2026 Critics Choice Awards

Chelsea Handler wasn't just firing shots at celebrities during the 31st Critics' Choice Awards. 

The comedian hosted the prestigious awards ceremony for her fourth consecutive year on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.

While celebrating achievements in film and television, Chelsea Handler honored some of the industry's late souls and used her signature humor to roast multiple A-listers.

Chelsea Handler Was On A Tribute Spree At The 2026 Critics Choice Awards

Handler paid tribute to the late Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, towards the end of her monologue on Sunday night. The deceased filmmaker and his longtime spouse were found dead in their Brentwood home on December 14.

One of their sons, Nick Reiner, has since been arrested and charged for allegedly stabbing his famous parents to death. Handler fondly remembered Rob, claiming fellow celebrities knew he was "the nicest guy in Hollywood."

"Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute that you met him, he felt like an old friend," Handler added, per The Hollywood Reporter. She hailed Rob and Michele for their "tireless" devotion to helping others and implored the crowd to remember them for all they stood for.

The Comedian Used Her Outfit As A Tribute To A Late Icon

Chelsea Handler’s odd wrap up to @CriticsChoice Awards with citation of @TPUSA: “We would like to thank the critics, the crew, the E! Network and Turning Point USA. Stay tuned for E!’s after show Recap Live. Good night!” pic.twitter.com/UAZrudQu49

— Brent Baker 🇺🇲🇺🇦 🇮🇱 (@BrentHBaker) January 5, 2026

The tributes did not stop there, as Handler honored late actress Diane Keaton after her touching statements about Rob and Michele. She did not use only her words to pay homage to the icon but also her outfit.

Handler donned a dashing black double-breasted pantsuit with a white blouse and black necktie similar to the one Keaton wore at the 2014 Golden Globes. The Daily Mail reported that she honored the "Annie Hall" star by saying:

"This little outfit is my nod to Diane Keaton, another person I think we should be remembering tonight. [She's] somebody who made a big contribution to all of us and all the people in the room here."

The TV Personality Sparked Mixed Reactions For Roasting Nicki Minaj

Although Handler had nice things to say about the deceased A-listers, she did not hold back when roasting multiple A-listers. One of her victims was none other than rap sensation Nicki Minaj, who recently sparked mixed reactions for seemingly joining the MAGA team.

Minaj has been trolled after appearing at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest convention in 2025, a controversy Handler seemed to hint at during a joke.

"'Sinners' was a massive Blockbuster! Although I haven't been invited into a Black person's house since - except Nicki Minaj's, but who wants to go over there?" Handler said.

The comment went viral on social media platforms, including X, with fans divided in the comments. Some applauded Handler for calling out Minaj, with someone describing the rapper as a "MAGA flop." On the other hand, Minaj supporters slammed Handler for being "racist."

The Former Talk Show Host Roasted Elon Musk

Handler is no stranger to roasting celebrities and public figures, with Elon Musk frequently landing in the shot zones. The Blast reported in March 2025 that the "Chelsea Lately" alum had roasted the tech billionaire during an interview.

The entertainer had attended the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas, where she discussed her views on Donald Trump's administration. The interviewer, journalist Kara Swisher, revealed she had once asked Handler to date Musk.

Swisher explained that she asked Handler to take one for the team by dating the business mogul; however, she flatly refused. "There's a lot I would do for the country, but having sex with Elon Musk is not one of them. I can't," Handler replied.

Chelsea Handler Reflected On Her Breakup With Jo Koy

A month before taking shots at Musk, The Blast shared that Handler had reflected on her 2022 separation from fellow comedian, Jo Koy. She explained that their relationship had reached a point where she had to choose between love and protecting her peace.

According to Handler, she would have needed to compromise her values if she had stayed with Koy. She noted that they wanted different things in life, and their thoughts on what a healthy relationship should be no longer aligned.

Handler stressed that she had no regrets, claiming she was able to love and end things in "a healthy, mature way." She thanked Koy for appearing in her life at a time she needed him and vowed not to focus on the ugly parts of their relationship.