The 83rd Annual Golden Globes served as more than just a ceremony for Hailee Steinfeld; it was a luminous celebration of a milestone year in both her professional and personal life. Stepping onto the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the 29-year-old Oscar nominee radiated a distinct glow, accentuated by a custom pink Prada gown that elegantly debuted her pregnancy on one of Hollywood’s grandest stages. Steinfeld, who is currently expecting her first child with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, found herself at the center of the evening’s most talked-about moments, ranging from high-fashion maternity style to endearing run-ins with industry legends.
While the night was ostensibly about the accolades for her film Sinners, which took home prestigious trophies for Best Score and Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, Steinfeld’s personal highlights were found in the quiet, candid exchanges behind the velvet ropes. In a recent edition of her Beau Society newsletter, the actress shared a particularly poignant interaction with comedy icon Adam Sandler. For Steinfeld and Allen, Sandler is not merely a peer but a household staple. Steinfeld revealed that the Uncut Gems actor’s films are on a constant loop in their home, noting that they had been watching his 2011 hit Just Go With It only nights before the ceremony.
The encounter occurred near the entrance to the ballroom, where Sandler personally flagged Steinfeld down. Steinfeld recounted the moment with palpable excitement, quoting Sandler as saying, “Hey, buddy! I loved Sinners! You’re doing amazing. And congrats to Josh!” This wasn’t just a generic pleasantry; it was a nod to the mutual respect between the veteran comedian and the rising power couple. The connection runs deep for the pair, who are such devoted fans of the "Sandman" that they famously spent a previous Halloween dressed as Bobby Boucher and Vicki Vallencourt from Sandler’s 1998 classic The Waterboy. Steinfeld noted that the first thing she wanted to do was relay the encounter to her husband, who was fresh off a pivotal playoffs victory with the Bills.
The synergy between Steinfeld’s cinematic triumphs and Allen’s athletic prowess has made them one of the most watched couples in the public eye. Though Allen could not be by her side on the carpet due to his demanding NFL schedule, his presence was felt digitally. Following the ceremony, Allen took to his Instagram Story to share a photo of Steinfeld in her Prada ensemble, punctuating the post with drooling and heart-eye emojis—a modern testament to a husband’s pride as his wife navigated the high-pressure environment of a major awards show while carrying their first child.
Beyond the Sandler exchange, the evening provided a rare opportunity for Steinfeld to reunite with longtime friend Jennifer Lawrence. Their friendship dates back to when Steinfeld was just 13 years old, a time when both were navigating the complexities of early fame. The 2026 Golden Globes marked their first meeting since Steinfeld and Allen publicly announced their pregnancy in December. Steinfeld described the reunion as incredibly emotional, noting that Lawrence’s face "lit up" the moment she spotted Steinfeld and her growing baby bump. Steinfeld praised the Hunger Games star as "supportive and wonderful," highlighting the importance of female mentorship and long-standing bonds in an industry often characterized by its transience.
The ceremony itself was a vibrant tapestry of Hollywood’s elite, reflecting a year of diverse and powerful storytelling. While Steinfeld enjoyed her personal milestones, the room was buzzing with other significant victories. Timothée Chalamet, a perennial favorite, secured a major win for Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical for his work in Marty Supreme. This marked a special occasion as it was his first win in the presence of partner Kylie Jenner, despite the couple attending the Globes together for three consecutive years. Jenner, ever the supportive partner, was seen celebrating alongside Lawrence, who is a self-proclaimed superfan of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
The night was also a breakthrough moment for Teyana Taylor, who delivered one of the evening’s most genuine emotional displays. Taylor took home the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her fierce and transformative performance in One Battle After Another, an upset victory over Ariana Grande, who was nominated for Wicked: For Good. Taylor’s "sweet, sweet emotion" upon hearing her name called resonated throughout the ballroom, marking her arrival as a formidable dramatic force in cinema.
In the television categories, the 2026 Globes continued to honor both established icons and fresh faces. Owen Cooper, the breakout star of Adolescence, was the "it-boy" of the night, winning Best Supporting Male Actor in a TV Series. His victory was so widely celebrated that even industry titans like Leonardo DiCaprio were seen seeking him out for a congratulatory word. DiCaprio himself remained a central figure of the evening, frequently seen sharing "insider" jokes with Julia Roberts. Roberts, the undisputed queen of Hollywood, received a thunderous standing ovation when she appeared on stage to present the award for Best Motion Picture, Musical/Comedy to the team behind One Battle After Another.
The ballroom was filled with pockets of nostalgia and professional admiration. The White Lotus fans were treated to a mini-reunion between Patrick Schwarzenegger and Parker Posey, while This Is Us stars Justin Hartley and Sterling K. Brown were spotted catching up. Hartley appeared to be checking in on Brown’s recovery from a leg injury that had been a topic of concern during the previous year’s Emmys. Meanwhile, the table for Only Murders in the Building remained a beacon of camaraderie, as Selena Gomez and husband Benny Blanco sat alongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, capturing candid "Kodak moments" throughout the telecast.
Musical talent also had its moment in the spotlight, with voice artists from the animated hit Kpop Demon Hunters—including Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna, and EJAE—sharing a golden moment with Marlon Wayans. Director Jon M. Chu was also seen in deep conversation with Kristen Bell, leading many to speculate about a potential future collaboration in the musical genre following his success with the Wicked franchise.
The 2026 Golden Globes also saw a significant win for Noah Wyle, who took home the trophy for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role in The Pitt. Wyle, who rose to fame as a TV doctor on ER, joked about the long-standing comparisons to his former co-star George Clooney, suggesting that the HFPA finally decided he was the "better doctor" after all these years. Clooney, ever the statesman, was seen laughing along with Julia Roberts at the quip, embodying the lighthearted yet prestigious atmosphere of the night.
As the evening wound down, the image of Hailee Steinfeld—successful, pregnant, and deeply respected by her peers—remained one of the most enduring symbols of the event. Her ability to balance the demands of a high-profile career with the excitement of starting a family has resonated with fans worldwide. From the playful recognition by Adam Sandler to the heartfelt support of Jennifer Lawrence and the digital cheers of Josh Allen, Steinfeld’s night at the Golden Globes was a testament to the power of community and the joy of personal evolution. For Steinfeld, the 2026 awards season is not just about the trophies on the mantel, but the memories of a life-changing chapter unfolding in the spotlight.
