At the Critics Choice Awards 2026, the absence of an in memoriam segment didn’t stop Chelsea Handler from honoring the late Diane Keaton. Embracing the iconic style that Keaton was known for, Handler donned a chic black tuxedo, complete with a crisp white shirt and a sleek black tie, during one of her hosting appearances on Sunday night.
Handler took a moment to address the audience, explaining her fashion choice as a tribute to the legendary actress. “This little outfit is my nod to Diane Keaton, another person I think we should be remembering tonight,” she said. Her words resonated with those who admired Keaton’s unique sense of style, epitomized by her penchant for tailored suits.
Reflecting on Keaton’s impact, Handler added that the “Annie Hall” star had made significant contributions to both the industry and the individuals gathered at the event. “She is somebody who made a big contribution to all of us and all the people in the room here,” she remarked, underscoring the lasting influence Keaton had on cinema and fashion.
In addition to Keaton, Handler took the opportunity to remember Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who tragically lost their lives in December. Her heartfelt tributes throughout the evening highlighted the personal and professional bonds shared within the entertainment community.
She added that the “Annie Hall” star was “somebody who made a big contribution to all of us and all the people in the room here.”
During the show, Handler also paid tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, following their tragic murders in December.
“Rob and Michele were tireless in their efforts to so many important causes, all stemming from one basic idea — decency,” she said during her opening monologue. “That we should all look out for each other, and I think we can all agree that we all need more of that.”
Keaton died from pneumonia in October at 79 years old.
A friend told People at the time that Keaton’s health rapidly declined “very suddenly” and unexpectedly in the months leading up to her death.
Shortly after her death, her trainer took to Instagram to lovingly share that Keaton rocked her signature menswear style even while working out.
“Everyone was very much aware that she was in the room. Of course because of who she was,” he recalled. “But also for the fact that she did the class in her hat, sunglasses, pinstriped outfit, and was an absolute riot the entire time.”
Many of Keaton’s famous friends paid tribute to her after her passing.
Last month, her “First Wives Club” co-star Goldie Hawn broke down in tears while honoring her at the Women in Entertainment Gala.
“She just brought so much joy, so much life, so much exuberance,” Hawn said onstage. “She was like lightning in a bottle.”
“There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do,” she continued. “There wasn’t any world that she couldn’t live in. She was just an extraordinary human being.”
Keaton’s good friend Sarah Paulson also teared up while speaking about her at the “All’s Fair” Los Angeles premiere in December.
“But all I can say … which is important to me to communicate [is that] what you thought she was as a performer, she was even more spectacular as a human being,” she told Access Hollywood.
