Comedian Chelsea Handler returned to host the Critics Choice Awards for the fourth time, delivering an opening monologue that blended a heartfelt tribute to the late Rob Reiner with sharp jabs at industry figures and a shoutout to the Canadian hockey series Heated Rivalry.
Handler took aim at Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, joking about the film Sinners: 'The original name of the main vampire was David Zaslav.' The camera cut to star Michael B. Jordan, who ruefully shook his head. She also targeted studio executives, saying Seth Rogen's new role as a studio head required even less effort than his stoner characters.
Praising original series, Handler singled out Heated Rivalry: 'You guys made amazing shows until that gay hockey show from Canada came along. Everyone loves it: gay men, women, straight men who say they aren't gay but work out at Equinox.' She also joked about Leonardo DiCaprio missing a film festival appearance because he was on a yacht near St. Barts: 'It was just like the Titanic but worse because Jeff Bezos was there.'
Handler closed with a tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who were found dead in December after an alleged stabbing by their son. She recalled Reiner's warmth and decency, saying: 'Anyone who ever spent time with him knew he felt like an old friend. Rob and Michele were tireless in their efforts for important causes. Let's use tonight as a reminder of that decency.'
