Chelsea Handler's Hilarious Take on the Kennedy Center Renaming at the Critics Choice Awards

At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Chelsea Handler didn’t just host; she sparked laughter and excitement by poking fun at the controversial renaming of the Kennedy Center. With a witty quip about how the venue is now the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center, Handler set a humorous tone for the night, drawing laughs from the audience before introducing Quinta Brunson. Her trademark humor shone as she joked about Leonardo DiCaprio almost missing the event, likening his supposed boating troubles to a surreal Titanic rerun.

But Handler’s night wasn’t all about laughs. She took a heartfelt moment to pay tribute to the late Rob Reiner, reminiscing about his kindness and generosity. Her words reminded everyone in the audience of the essential decency that Reiner stood for in an industry often filled with drama and excess. Handler’s ability to seamlessly blend humor with poignant moments served as a beautiful tribute to her late friend, leaving everyone both chuckling and reflecting on the importance of kindness in Hollywood and beyond.