Benicio del Toro reveals he found Chelsea Handler’s flirtatious remarks at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards ‘pretty sexy,’ while his film ‘One Battle After Another’ continues its awards season dominance.
The Flirtation That Stole the Show
At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Chelsea Handler didn’t hold back during her opening monologue, directing a playful—and unmistakably flirtatious—remark toward Benicio del Toro. “I need you in more movies, in more TV shows, in room 708 at the Andaz Hotel tonight,” she declared, prompting laughter and a cool, composed smile from the Oscar-winning actor.
Speaking exclusively to People at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, del Toro shared his candid reaction: “I thought it was pretty funny,” he admitted, before adding with a smirk, “It was pretty sexy.”
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Benicio del Toro attends the New York Film Critics Circle Awards at TAO Downtown on Jan. 6, 2026 in New York City.
Awards Season Dominance
Del Toro’s charm wasn’t the only thing turning heads. His performance as Sensei Sergio St. Carlos in One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has cemented his status as a frontrunner this awards season. The film, starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, won Best Picture and Best Director at the Critics Choice Awards, where del Toro was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
His accolades don’t stop there. At the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, he took home the Best Supporting Actor prize, delivering a heartfelt speech crediting his co-stars: “They have inspired me my whole career. It’s kind of a little crazy for me, because I’m a fan. So to have these two guys put in their head that I had to play Sensei was pretty impressive.”
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Chelsea Handler speaks onstage during the Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Jan. 4 2026 in Santa Monica, Calif.
The Chemistry Behind the Scene
Handler’s playful banter wasn’t just for show—it highlighted del Toro’s undeniable presence in Hollywood. The actor, known for his selective roles, has long been a figure of admiration, both for his talent and his enigmatic persona. His reaction to Handler’s remarks—calm, amused, and effortlessly charismatic—only added to his allure.
“Stop being so selective about what you do,” Handler teased, a nod to del Toro’s reputation for choosing projects with precision. Yet, his collaboration with DiCaprio and Penn in One Battle After Another proves that when he commits, the result is nothing short of cinematic gold.
Critics Choice/Youtube
Benicio del Toro reacts to Chelsea Handler’s monologue at the Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Jan. 4 2026 in Santa Monica, Calif.
What’s Next for Del Toro?
With a Golden Globe nomination under his belt and a potential Oscar on the horizon, del Toro’s future in Hollywood looks brighter than ever. His role in One Battle After Another has reignited conversations about his versatility, proving he can command attention whether he’s delivering a dramatic performance or handling Handler’s bold humor with grace.
As for Handler’s invitation? Del Toro’s response—“It was pretty sexy”—leaves just enough to the imagination, ensuring fans will be talking about this moment for years to come.
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