The 83rd Golden Globes, held on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, offered more than just televised trophies. While the broadcast captured the winners, the most fascinating interactions unfolded off-camera in a private sanctuary away from the spotlight.
Private Catch-Ups and Sweet Reunions
Emma Stone, the star of Bugonia, seemed to prefer the festivities outside the main ballroom. She hosted a rotating group of A-list friends in a smaller side room, a space deliberately free of television cameras. This exclusive area featured a bar, tea and coffee stations, and an endless supply of decadent treats including Nobu sushi and caviar.
One of the night's early highlights was a heartwarming 13 Going on 30 reunion between Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. They chatted near the bar, not about choreography, but about the surprising fact that media mogul Jay Penske co-owns the Globes. Ruffalo shared a nerve-wracking story about almost missing his category last year due to security delays.
Before the ceremony began, Glen Powell escorted his mother into the ballroom, carefully helping her navigate the steps. Meanwhile, Mila Kunis performed a rescue mission, delivering much-needed Band-Aids to Alicia Silverstone. As the clock ticked down, Colman Domingo danced to his seat, Teyana Taylor snapped a last-minute selfie, and Kylie Jenner arrived at the very last minute without Timothée Chalamet.
The Awards Begin and the Socialising Continues
After the first award was presented, Emma Stone made a beeline for the side room, bringing director Yorgos Lanthimos and co-star Alicia Silverstone with her. Kirsten Dunst, stationed at the coffee counter, changed her mind about a brew and instead had husband Jesse Plemons fetch her cranberry and sparkling drinks throughout the night.
The commercial breaks inside the ballroom became a frenzy of networking. Notable conversations were spotted everywhere: Dwayne Johnson with Steven Spielberg, Macaulay Culkin with Parker Posey, and Johnson again with Timothée Chalamet. However, some stars, like Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Adam Sandler, remained comfortably at their table, letting the party come to them.
Glamour, Sushi and Unanswered Questions
Ariana Grande led a glamorous procession to the ladies' room, instructing Jessie Buckley and Renate Reinsve to "hold on to me!" Even a stepped-on gown couldn't dampen her spirits. Later, Jennifer Lawrence found Emma Stone at the bar, resulting in an affectionate moment and a joint selfie.
The refreshments were a major attraction. Gayle King was seen with a to-go box for sushi, while Patrick Schwarzenegger gave the dessert table a long look before opting for protein-rich options instead.
The night ended with several burning questions for the after-parties. Observers wondered what Sean Penn and Britt Lower whispered to Ariana Grande, what was in Ryan Hawke's "Snoop’s Survival Kit" tote bag, and just what Emma Stone said to make three Beverly Hills police officers laugh so heartily. The official broadcast told only half the story of the 2026 Golden Globes.
