Chelsea Handler Salutes Rob Reiner’s Legacy at Critics Choice 2026
Chelsea Handler delivered a heartfelt tribute to Rob Reiner at the Critics Choice Awards 2026, reflecting on his character and influence in the industry after his and his wife’s tragic passing.
At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Chelsea Handler took a moment to pay respects to Rob Reiner, reflecting on his character and the mark he left on the film world. Handler, who hosted the event, spoke candidly about Reiner’s reputation, describing him as someone who made everyone feel at ease. The ceremony came just weeks after the shocking deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were found at their Brentwood home in December. Authorities reported that both had died from “multiple sharp force injuries”, and their son, Nick Reiner, now faces charges related to the incident.
Remembering a Genuine Bloke
Handler opened her tribute by saying,
“Everyone in this room knows that the nicest guy in Hollywood was Rob Reiner.”
She went on to share how Reiner’s warmth and approachability stood out, noting,
“Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute you met him, he felt like an old friend when you were in a conversation with him.”
Handler highlighted his knack for making people feel heard, whether the chat was about politics, films, or even the latest beauty trends. She described him as present, focused, and always up for a laugh, with a genuine interest in others.
Decency at the Heart
Handler made a point of emphasising the qualities that defined both Rob and Michele Reiner, especially their commitment to decency. She said,
“Rob and Michele were tireless in their efforts to so many important causes, all stemming from one basic idea: decency, and that we should all look out for each other.”
Handler encouraged everyone in the room to take that message to heart, adding,
“I think we can all agree that we definitely need more of that.”
She urged the audience to use the night as a reminder of the values the Reiners stood for and the work they did to support others.
Award Highlights and Lighter Moments
The evening wasn’t just about tributes. The top prize for Best Picture went to One Battle After Another, with Paul Thomas Anderson nabbing Best Director for the same film. Timothée Chalamet picked up Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme, while Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for Hamnet. Jimmy Kimmel took home Best Talk Show, cheekily crediting Donald Trump for the win thanks to, as he put it,
“all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day.”