Chelsea Handler delivered a pointed jab at Leonardo DiCaprio during her opening monologue at the Critics Choice Awards, teasing the actor for his near no-show after a luxurious holiday getaway.
The Host's Scathing Monologue
Taking the stage as host, Handler immediately addressed DiCaprio's absence from the Palm Springs Film Festival the night before. She quipped to the audience that the actor was thankfully present for Sunday's ceremony in Santa Monica, California. Handler humorously referenced DiCaprio's recent vacation, stating he had been "trapped on a boat in St. Barts." She drew a comparison to his iconic film, adding, "It was just like 'The Titanic' but worse, because Jeff Bezos was there." The camera captured DiCaprio in the crowd, laughing warmly at the joke at his own expense.
The Super-Yacht Saga
The incident that inspired the roast occurred over the New Year's holiday. DiCaprio was spotted aboard the super-yacht of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in the Caribbean. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, model Vittoria Ceretti, and Bezos's wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos. This high-profile vacation reportedly led to a logistical snag when the actor needed to travel to the Palm Springs Film Festival, where he was set to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award.
According to reports, flight restrictions following a U.S. military incursion into Venezuela on early Saturday left DiCaprio without a timely ride from the Caribbean to Palm Springs. Consequently, he was unable to attend the festival in person.
DiCaprio's Pre-Taped Tribute to Cinema
Despite his physical absence from the Palm Springs event, DiCaprio accepted his award via a pre-recorded video speech. In it, he spoke passionately about the film industry and the enduring importance of the theatrical experience. The Oscar-winner, honored for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," made a clear distinction between content and cinema.
"Movies are still meant to be experienced, together, in a theatre," DiCaprio stated. "Right now, that belief matters more than ever." He elaborated on the challenges facing original filmmaking, saying, "Original films are harder to make and harder to protect. But movies still matter, not content, but cinema. Stories made by people meant to be shared in a dark room in a communal experience."
Ultimately, the logistical hurdles were overcome, and DiCaprio arrived in time for the main event, the Critics Choice Awards, setting the stage for Handler's memorable roast and a night celebrating cinematic achievement.
