> At a Glance
> – Chelsea Handler wore a black-and-white tuxedo to host the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4 in Santa Monica
> – The outfit was a tribute to Diane Keaton, who died at 79 on Oct. 11 from bacterial pneumonia
> – Why it matters: The moment celebrated Keaton’s enduring fashion legacy and cultural impact on Hollywood
Chelsea Handler opened the 2026 Critics Choice Awards with a stylish nod to Diane Keaton, turning the spotlight on the late icon’s signature look and lasting influence.
A Fashion Tribute on Stage
Handler stepped onto the Barker Hangar stage in a crisp tuxedo, white shirt, and black tie-an unmistakable echo of Keaton’s trademark menswear aesthetic.
> “This little outfit is my nod to Diane Keaton,” Handler told the crowd. “Another person I think we should be remembering tonight.”
The host, 50, also praised Keaton’s broad impact:
> “Somebody who made a big contribution to all of us and all the people in the room here. So I think it’s good vibrations to remember all of these good people, right. Let’s keep the vibes high.”
Keaton’s Timeless Style Philosophy
Keaton once told Vogue in 2023 that her monochrome wardrobe was deliberate:
- “I don’t want to be flashy, but I do want to dress myself with what I like.”
- Black and white lets her “add anything to it”-hats, wide belts, tunics, vests.
- Accessories, especially big coats and belts, helped her “sustain the idea that I have a body.”
She confessed to clipping magazine pages for inspiration, from Dior ensembles to home décor, always chasing what felt authentically hers.
Key Takeaways
- Handler’s wardrobe choice kept Keaton’s memory alive at a major awards show
- The tribute highlighted Keaton’s cultural reach beyond film-into fashion and self-expression
- Keaton’s family confirmed her death was due to pneumonia, adding clarity to the loss felt across Hollywood
Handler’s gesture ensured the ceremony opened not just with glamour, but with gratitude for a star whose style still shapes red carpets today.
