Dame Helen Mirren and her husband, film director Taylor Hackford, shared a tender moment on the red carpet at the Golden Eve event in Beverly Hills this Tuesday. The celebrated actress, 80, and Hackford, 81, who have been married for 27 years, posed affectionately, with Helen leaning her head on his shoulder.
A Night of Elegance and Accolades
The Oscar-winning star of The Queen looked radiant in an elegant baby pink gown. The dress featured a knotted detail at the waist, with fabric cascading into a full skirt that pooled on the floor. She accessorised with a striking pink and cream pearl necklace and a matching handbag. Hackford cut a dapper figure beside her in a classic black tuxedo and waistcoat, gazing at his wife with evident admiration.
The evening held special significance as Dame Helen was announced as the 2026 Cecil B. DeMille Award honoree. This prestigious Golden Globes accolade recognises "extraordinary and enduring contributions to the world of entertainment." Helen Hoehne, President of the Golden Globes, praised Mirren as "a force of nature" whose "transcendent performances" continue to inspire artists and audiences globally.
A Lasting Hollywood Partnership
The couple's enduring relationship began under professional circumstances. They first met in 1985 when Hackford directed Mirren in the film White Nights, though they reportedly did not get along initially. After over a decade together, they married in Scotland in 1997. Hackford is the former president of the Directors Guild of America.
In a 2022 interview, Helen reflected on how the Covid-19 lockdowns strengthened their bond, revealing they spent quality time together "for the first time in 30 odd years." She described having dinner opposite each other every night for six months as "fantastic, brilliant."
Personal Choices and Professional Peers
Mirren has been open about her decision not to have children, a choice she does not regret, though she has acknowledged moments of poignant reflection on the experience of motherhood. Meanwhile, the Golden Eve ceremony also honoured Sarah Jessica Parker with The Carol Burnett Award for her outstanding contributions to television.
The event served as a dual celebration: a recognition of Helen Mirren's monumental career and a public showcase of her lasting, loving partnership with Taylor Hackford.
