During her opening monologue at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, comedian Chelsea Handler roasted actor Leonardo DiCaprio for nearly missing the ceremony due to being stuck on a boat in St. Barts. Handler made the joke during the awards show held at Barker Hanger on January 4, 2026.

Handler quipped that DiCaprio's predicament was "just like the Titanic, but worse, because Jeff Bezos was there," referencing both DiCaprio's role in the 1997 film "Titanic," a fictionalized account of the RMS Titanic's sinking in the North Atlantic Ocean, and the presence of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, a figure often associated with extreme wealth and the global elite. DiCaprio, who was in attendance, reportedly laughed at the joke.

The Critics Choice Awards are presented annually by the Critics Choice Association to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. The event draws international attention, with nominees and winners often reflecting global trends in entertainment and artistic expression. Handler's monologue, known for its often-provocative humor, targeted DiCaprio, who starred in "One Battle After Another," one of the year's biggest films.

The reference to the Titanic resonates globally due to the historical tragedy and the enduring popularity of the film, which was a worldwide box office success and explored themes of class, survival, and human connection. The inclusion of Jeff Bezos in the joke taps into broader societal discussions about wealth inequality and the influence of billionaires, issues that are debated across various nations and cultures.

As of January 5, 2026, there have been no further public comments from DiCaprio or Bezos regarding Handler's remarks. The Critics Choice Awards ceremony continued with the presentation of awards across various categories, recognizing talent from both American and international productions.