Key Facts
- ✓ Chelsea Handler hosted the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on January 4.
- ✓ The event took place at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica.
- ✓ Handler joked that Leonardo DiCaprio almost missed the awards because he was stuck on a boat.
- ✓ DiCaprio is nominated for his role in "One Battle After Another."
Quick Summary
Chelsea Handler delivered a biting opening monologue at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. The ceremony was held on January 4 at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. Handler wasted no time targeting the night's big nominees.
She focused early on actor Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio is a nominee for his role in the film "One Battle After Another." Handler joked that DiCaprio almost did not make it to the event. The comedian attributed his near-absence to travel issues involving a boat.
Handler compared the incident to DiCaprio's famous film "Titanic." She quipped that the real-life situation was actually worse than the movie. Her reasoning was the presence of billionaire Jeff Bezos on the boat.
The Opening Monologue 🎤
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards commenced on January 4 with host Chelsea Handler. The event took place at the Barker Hanger located in Santa Monica. Handler began the evening by addressing the room full of nominees and guests.
She immediately turned her attention to Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio was in attendance as a nominee for the movie "One Battle After Another." Handler used his recent travel troubles as the basis for her first major joke of the night.
She revealed that DiCaprio had faced difficulties reaching the venue. Specifically, he was reportedly stuck on a boat. This delay threatened his attendance at the prestigious ceremony.
"“Just like Titanic, But Worse Because Jeff Bezos Was There”"
— Chelsea Handler, Comedian
The Titanic Comparison 🚢
Chelsea Handler drew a parallel between DiCaprio's current situation and his iconic role in "Titanic." In the 1997 film, DiCaprio's character, Jack Dawson, famously dies after a shipwreck. Handler suggested the real-life boat delay was a similar dramatic event.
However, she added a twist to the comparison. Handler claimed the 2026 incident was actually worse than the cinematic tragedy. She attributed this to the company DiCaprio was keeping at the time.
Handler specifically named Jeff Bezos as the other person on the boat. By invoking the Amazon founder, Handler heightened the absurdity of the joke, implying that being stuck with Bezos was a fate worse than freezing in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Nominee and the Film 🎬
Leonardo DiCaprio was a central figure in the evening's proceedings due to his nomination. He is recognized for his performance in "One Battle After Another." The film has garnered significant attention this awards season.
According to the monologue, "One Battle After Another" is considered one of the biggest movies of the year. DiCaprio's presence at the awards was essential given his status as a lead nominee. Despite the boat delay, he did eventually arrive at the Barker Hanger to participate in the event.
Event Details and Venue 📍
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards took place in a notable location. The venue was the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. This location is a frequent host for major entertainment industry events.
The date was set for January 4. Chelsea Handler's role as the host involved roasting the attendees and setting a lighthearted mood. The joke regarding DiCaprio and the boat served as a highlight of her opening segment.
