Chelsea Handler Mixes Laughter and Tribute at Critics Choice Awards
Chelsea Handler opened the 31st Critics Choice Awards with a blend of sharp comedy and a moving homage to Rob and Michele Reiner. The night also celebrated standout achievements in film and television, setting the tone for the awards season ahead.
Last night, the 31st Critics Choice Awards brought together Hollywood ’s brightest stars, with Chelsea Handler at the helm as host. Known for her quick wit, Handler kicked off the evening with a monologue that balanced humor and heartfelt reflection, setting the stage for a memorable ceremony at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Handler’s opening remarks took a poignant turn as she honored the late Rob and Michele Reiner, who recently passed away in Los Angeles. She shared,
"Everyone in this room knows that the nicest guy in Hollywood was Rob Reiner. Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute that you met him, he felt like an old friend. When you were in a conversation with him, he was present, he was focused, and he was funny. I think we can all agree that we definitely need more of that, so let's use tonight as a reminder of that decency and as a reminder of everything Rob and Michele represented and fought so hard for."
Comedy and Roasts Light Up the Night
Handler didn’t shy away from poking fun at the industry’s biggest names. She joked about the competitive nature of awards season, quipping,
"You guys are all going to be spending the next three months together, so whoever wins tonight, get used to seeing them win."
Her monologue also included jabs at the horror hit Sinners, referencing Nicki Minaj and Warner Bros. executive David Zaslav:
"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? Sinners is the story of brothers who start this really fun place for entertainment and then vampires show up, suck the life out of everybody and burn it all to the ground. Fun fact, the original name of the main vampire was David Zaslav."
Leonardo DiCaprio, star of One Battle After Another, was also in Handler’s comedic crosshairs. She teased,
"Leo almost didn't make it tonight because he was trapped on a boat in St. Bart's. It was just like the Titanic, but worse because Jeff Bezos was there."
The crowd, including DiCaprio himself, responded with laughter.
Spotlight on the Night’s Top Winners
The Critics Choice Awards, presented by the Critics Choice Association, are a key indicator of what’s to come in the awards circuit. This year’s ceremony highlighted both fresh faces and established talent across film and television.
In television, Adolescence emerged as a standout, taking home Best Limited Series along with acting honors for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. The Pitt secured Best Drama Series, as well as Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. The Studio claimed victories in the comedy categories, winning Best Comedy, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor.
Film Achievements and Surprises
On the film side, One Battle After Another swept major categories, earning Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture. Sinners, the horror sensation, was recognized for Best Original Screenplay, Best Young Actor/Actress, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Score. In a surprise turn, Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Weapons, edging out favorites like Ariana Grande and Wunmi Mosaku.