In a nostalgic moment that delighted audiences, actor Macaulay Culkin made his first appearance at the Golden Globes in 35 years this Sunday, cleverly referencing the film that turned him into a global star: Home Alone.
A Triumphant Return to the Spotlight
The 45-year-old actor, who shot to fame as the mischievous Kevin McCallister in the 1990 blockbuster and its 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, was met with a hearty round of applause as he took to the stage at the Beverly Hilton. His entrance was soundtracked by Mark Morrison's 1996 hit Return of the Mack, setting the tone for a well-received comeback.
'Thank you,' Culkin told the audience. 'I know it's weird to see me outside the holiday season - shockingly, I do exist all year round.' The witty remark was a direct nod to the perennial Christmas favourite that defined his early career. His role was to present the award for Best Screenplay, Motion Picture, which was won by Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another.
From Child Star to Awards Presenter
Culkin's last appearance at the ceremony was on January 19, 1991, when he was just ten years old. He was nominated in the category for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical for Home Alone, facing competition from Johnny Depp, Richard Gere, Patrick Swayze, and the eventual winner, Gérard Depardieu.
For this long-awaited return, the actor cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo with a velvet coat. He was accompanied by his fiancée, actress Brenda Song, who wore a black leather top and matching gown. The couple, who have been together since 2017 after meeting on the set of Changeland, got engaged in 2022 and are parents to two young sons, Dakota and Carson.
Warm Reception and Future Hopes
The audience and viewers at home responded enthusiastically to Culkin's appearance. On social media platform X, fans shared their support and nostalgia. One user wrote, 'I absolutely love that they got him to present. It’s time for him to get work as an adult.' Another fan humorously referenced his most famous role, suggesting, 'It would have been hilarious if someone would have yelled out "KEVIN!!!"'
Culkin's family life and career have evolved significantly since his days as a child star. He is the older brother of Oscar and Golden Globe-winning actor Kieran Culkin. In recent years, he has publicly praised Song, calling her his 'champion' and 'the best person I've ever known' during his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.
His return to one of entertainment's biggest stages marks a significant moment, not just as a callback to a beloved film, but as a reintroduction of the actor himself, proving his enduring appeal beyond the festive season.
