Red Carpet Reunion: Love, Loss, and Laughter at the 2026 Golden Globes

Past Romances Shine as Stars Celebrate Achievements at the 2026 Golden Globes

The 2026 Golden Globes was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and a sprinkling of past romances that kept the audience buzzing. As Hollywood’s elite gathered to celebrate their achievements, several stars found themselves in the fascinating—and sometimes awkward—position of sharing the spotlight with their former flames. The excitement of winning and the intensity of competition wove through the evening, offering a mix of triumphant wins and nostalgic encounters.

Leading the charge was Amy Poehler, who took home the accolade for the inaugural Best Podcast category, a new addition to the awards show. Her ex-husband, Will Arnett, was also in the mix, nominated for his podcast “Smartless” alongside co-hosts Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. Poehler and Arnett, who were married from 2003 until their split in 2012, share two sons together and showcased a mature dynamic as they navigated the event. Their ability to support one another publicly, despite their past, added a heartwarming touch to the evening. Fans were undoubtedly curious about whether any emotional exchanges might occur during the celebration, but both stars seemed to be in high spirits.

The night was not shy of other unexpected pairings. Michael B. Jordan, nominated for his role in "Sinners," brought his mother as his date, managing to keep the focus on his work. However, his ex-girlfriend, Lori Harvey, was also in attendance, creating an interesting backdrop to the evening. The couple dated from 2020 to 2022, and their presence in the same venue highlighted the uncanny nature of awards shows where personal history can often surface amid professional accolades.

Complicating things further was the presence of Sean Penn and Robin Wright, both nominated for their respective roles in “One Battle After Another” and “The Girlfriend.” Their on-again, off-again romance spanned two decades—dating from 1989 through 2010, and culminating in a marriage that lasted from 1996 to 2010. The couple's shared history, including the raising of their two children, Dylan and Hopper, made their reunion at such a high-profile event all the more poignant. Their relationship is characterized by deep connections that, despite their past challenges, brought a level of nostalgia to their professional achievements.

In a lighter twist, Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke rekindled memories of a fleeting romance from 1994. Though their flirtation was short-lived and hardly made waves in the long run, the sheer nostalgia of their connection offered a glimpse into their youthful past. At the time, their dancing together sparked rumors about Roberts’ then-marriage to Lyle Lovett, which ended soon after. Roberts’s playful response to the speculation—“I danced. Is that a felony?”—demonstrated her lighthearted take on the whole affair, and during the Golden Globes, it became a delightful reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and relationships.

Another intriguing dynamic was seen with Mila Kunis and Macaulay Culkin. The former couple, who dated for nearly a decade from 2002 to 2010, brought their current partners, Ashton Kutcher and Brenda Song, respectively, along for the celebration. Both showcased their happy relationships, signaling a sense of elegance and maturity in their interactions. To see Kunis and Culkin together again, albeit with their new love interests, was a testament to the supportive atmosphere that often surrounds the Hollywood elite, even among former lovers. Their reunion showcased a genuine camaraderie that resonated through the evening.

Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus experienced her own nostalgia in the presence of exes at the event. She was nominated for Best Original Song for “Dream as One,” a contribution to the "Avatar: Fire & Ash" soundtrack. The night rekindled memories of her past relationships, including a notable romance with Nick Jonas from their teenage years. Their on-and-off relationship from 2006 to 2009 is often remembered fondly by fans, and her nomination signaled significant growth in both her artistry and personal life. Additionally, Patrick Schwarzenegger, who briefly dated Cyrus from late 2014 to early 2015, also made an appearance, creating an atmosphere rich with shared history and nostalgic reflections.

As observers immersed themselves in the glamour of the Golden Globes, moments of past romances offered a fascinating counterpoint to the otherwise competitive nature of the awards ceremony. The delicate dance of professional triumphs intertwined with personal relationships served as a reminder of the intricate web of connections that define the world of celebrities. Former flames and current partners mingled, crafting an unforgettable spectacle that people would talk about long after the awards had concluded.

The overarching theme of the 2026 Golden Globes was one of resilience and growth, with celebrities moving forward while acknowledging their pasts. It demonstrated the ability to coexist amicably—an essential skill in an industry where personal and professional lives often collide. The event served as a microcosm of the Hollywood experience, where every night might be a reunion, and every red carpet might inadvertently reveal more about who the stars are beyond the glitz and glamour. Ultimately, this blend of nostalgia, professionalism, and growth painted an engaging portrait of the celebrity world, leaving audiences longing for more tales of love, loss, and the constant balancing act of public life.