Chelsea Handler's Sharp Joke Targets Kennedy Center Renaming at Critics Choice Awards
Chelsea Handler made a pointed jest regarding the recent renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
“Considering the current administration doesn’t hesitate to rename cultural landmarks, I’d like to formally welcome everyone to the Chelsea Handler Center for the Performing Arts, previously known as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital,” Handler, 50, quipped just before introducing Quinta Brunson to the stage at the awards show on Sunday, January 4, prompting laughter from the audience.
The Kennedy Center was rebranded as the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center by its board of trustees, which is presided over by President Donald Trump, in December 2025.
Handler took the stage as the host of Sunday night’s awards show, which was held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Earlier in the evening, she delivered an opening monologue that included humorous observations about the night’s nominees in the film and television industry. One performer mentioned in her introduction was Leonardo DiCaprio, who was nominated for his film One Battle After Another.
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“Leo’s here, thank goodness,” the comedian remarked. “Leo nearly didn’t attend tonight because he was stranded on a boat in St. Barts. It was reminiscent of Titanic, but considerably worse, because Jeff Bezos was present.”
Elsewhere, Handler playfully addressed Benicio del Toro.
“Benicio, you’ve had an exceptional year, and we need to see more of your work, alright?” she said. “Reduce being so selective about your projects. I need you in more films, in more television series, and in room 708 at the Andaz hotel tonight.”
Handler also referred to Timothée Chalamet as a “Labubu” and expressed admiration for Jacob Elordi’s impressive 6-foot-5 height.
On a more somber note, Handler offered a tribute to Rob Reiner, who passed away at age 78 alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, on December 14. Their son Nick Reiner has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
“Everyone in this room knew that Rob Reiner was one of the kindest people in Hollywood,” she told the audience. “Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner understood that he felt like a longtime friend the moment you met him. When you were in conversation with him, he was fully engaged, attentive, humorous, and asked you numerous questions. Whether you were discussing politics, film, or the latest beauty trends, he was completely invested.”
Handler also shared a personal recollection of Rob and Michele.
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“After I sent him a text thanking him for dinner a few months ago, he replied with a text that said, ‘We had such a wonderful time with you last night. Thanks for explaining so much about plastic surgery; it was very informative,’” she recalled. “Rob and Michele were unwavering in their dedication to supporting numerous important causes, all rooted in a fundamental principle: decency. That we should all look out for one another. And I believe we can all agree that we certainly 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 diligently for.”
Nick, 32, has not yet entered a plea following his charges. He retained attorney Alan Jackson, who previously defended Karen Read, to represent him. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7.
