LOS ANGELES −Chelsea Handler,best known for skewering celebrities, gave a sincere tribute toRob and Michele Reiner,kicking off the2026 Critics Choice Awards.
Handler, 50, grew serious at the end of her monologue on Sunday, Jan. 4, to discuss the beloved director and his wife, who were slain in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. The couple's sonNick Reinerhas been charged with the double murder and is next expected in court on Jan. 7.
"Everyone in this room knows that the nicest guy in Hollywood was Rob Reiner," Handler told the crowd. "The minute you met him, he felt like an old friend. ... He would ask you a ton of questions, whether you were discussing politics, film or the latest beauty trends."
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The four-time host said that when she texted Reiner after a recent meal together, "The Princess Bride" and "When Harry Met Sally ..." director responded positively to the comic's light dinner conversation.
"He wrote, 'Thanks for explaining so much about plastic surgery, it was very edifying,' " Handler said, and added that the Reiners were "tireless" in their efforts for important causes.
"It all stemmed from one basic idea: decency," she said. "I think we can all agree that we definitely need more of that value."
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Hollywood's biggest names got glam for the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 4, in Santa Monica, California. See which stars hit the red carpet, starting with Ariana Grande." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
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Host Chelsea Handler" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Mia Goth" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Michael Peña" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Ramy Youssef " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Mia Goth" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Chloé Zhao" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Critics Choice Awards 2026 – See Ariana Grande, more red carpet stars
Hollywood's biggest names got glam for the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 4, in Santa Monica, California. See which stars hit the red carpet, starting with Ariana Grande.
Chelsea Handler jokes about Leonardo DiCaprio's travel troubles
Handler wasn't all serious at the awards, taking aim at the celeb-filled room and"One Battle After Another" star Leonardo DiCaprio,who missedaccepting an award at the Palm Springs International Film Awardsa day earlier amid travel disruptions. The "Titanic" star was delayed leaving a tropical vacation with an entourage that included Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.
"Leo's here, thank God," Handler said. "Leo almost couldn't make it tonight because he was trapped on a boat on St. Barts."
The show camera switched to a chagrined DiCaprio in the audience as Handler carried on.
"It was almost like the Titanic, but worse, because Jeff Bezos was there," said Handler.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Chelsea Handler honors Rob Reiner, jokes about DiCaprio's hard travels
