“Chelsea handler channels Diane Keaton’s secret style legacy — But alleged on-stage feud and hidden tribute sparks outrage!” 😳 Fans are buzzing after Handler’s Critics Choice appearance, where she rocked Keaton’s signature tuxedo while paying homage — yet insiders hint there was tension behind the scenes, whispers of last-minute disagreements, and a mysterious nod to Rob and Michele Reiner that no one fully explains

Even though the Critics Choice Awards 2026 didn’t have an in memoriam segment, Chelsea Handler still paid tribute to the late Diane Keaton by rocking one of the iconic actress’ signature looks.

For one of her looks as the host of Sunday’s show, Handler wore a fitted black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt underneath and a black tie.

She told the audience it was in honor of Keaton, who was known for wearing tailored suits throughout her career.

Chelsea Handler speaks into a microphone at the Critics Choice Awards.

Chelsea Handler paid tribute to Diane Keaton during the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Host Chelsea Handler speaking onstage at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards.

Handler wore a fitted suit on stage during her hosting duties. Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

“This little outfit is my nod to Diane Keaton, another person I think we should be remembering tonight,” Handler said.

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.”

Diane Keaton attends the Ralph Lauren SS23 Runway Show.

“This little outfit is my nod to Diane Keaton, another person I think we should be remembering tonight,” Handler said. Getty Images

Diane Keaton wearing a black suit, wide black belt, white shirt, and checkered tie, with a black hat and glasses, on a talk show set.

Keaton was known for wearing tailored suits throughout her career. Theo Wargo/NBC

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.”

Diane Keaton in a purple and black striped suit, bowler hat, and large black crucifix necklace, seated by a swimming pool.

The “Annie Hall” star died in October 2025 at age 79. Getty Images

Diane Keaton waving while wearing a sequined navy suit, black beret, and glasses.

Keaton’s health declined rapidly in the months leading up to her death, a source told People. WireImage

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.”

Host Chelsea Handler speaking onstage during the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards.

During Sunday’s show, Handler also paid tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner. Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Chelsea Handler speaking onstage at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards.

The show didn’t have a full in memoriam segment. Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

“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.