Elle Fanning received an unexpected Jack Black celebrity shoutout on the red carpet at the 2026 Golden Globes, fueling her longstanding admiration for the popular comedian. The memorable exchange unfolded in Los Angeles on January 11, 2026, spotlighting both Fanning’s candid affection for Jack Black and the playful camaraderie among celebrities during awards season.
Surprise Video Message From Jack Black Leaves Elle Fanning Dazzled
Elle Fanning, well known for her roles in movies and television, has never shied away from discussing her celebrity crush on Jack Black. During a red carpet interview at the Golden Globes, Fanning was stunned when Access Hollywood played a prerecorded video from Black himself, referencing her earlier comments in which she described him as “sex on legs.” Black’s message showcased both humor and humility.
“You make me very embarrassed with all this hall pass talk,”
Jack Black joked in his video note, directly acknowledging Fanning’s lighthearted infatuation. – Jack Black, comedian and actor
Ever the entertainer, Black continued with a mix of bashfulness and wit, saying,
“Look, I’m very flattered, but I have to keep my eye closed because I am so embarrassed.”
– Jack Black, comedian and actor
With a playful gesture, he blew a kiss toward Fanning and added,
“Much love to you and yours.”
– Jack Black, comedian and actor
The exchange delighted Fanning, whose admiration for Black has been public knowledge, and highlighted the light-hearted moments that often unfold during awards shows.
Gus Wenner Joins the Fun Amid Fanning’s Crush Confessions
Jack Black, who is married to Tanya Haden, extended the charm in his message to Fanning’s boyfriend, Gus Wenner, who attended the event as her date. Offering a comedic reassurance to Wenner, Black said,
“Hi to your boyfriend also, Dude, I didn’t do anything.”
This playful aside reflected the good-natured ribbing celebrity couples sometimes enjoy at public events like the Globes.
Fanning, dressed in Gucci with Cartier jewelry for the night, confessed her relief that Black took her admiration in stride.
“Oh my gosh, I was worried that he was gonna have a restraining order against me,”
she admitted in an Access Hollywood interview, demonstrating both her humor and affection. – Elle Fanning, actress
Doubling down on her sentiments, she said,
“I just love Jack Black. He’s loveable.”
– Elle Fanning, actress
Reports from the event noted that Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner appeared relaxed and happy together, with both playfully bantering about Fanning’s feelings for Black. The event also saw other notable couples such as Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise Coigney, as well as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas stepping onto the red carpet.
Inside Jokes and Family Bond Over Jack Black
The Fanning family’s admiration for Jack Black has become something of an inside joke. Elle’s older sister, Dakota Fanning, revealed that they maintain a group chat just to discuss Black’s appeal.
“You once called him ‘the perfect man,’”
Dakota reminded Elle during a playful Vanity Fair Lie Detection Test segment. – Dakota Fanning, actress
During the segment, Dakota asked,
“Would you leave your boyfriend if Jack Black declared his love for you?”
– Dakota Fanning, actress
Even as Elle denied she would make such a switch, the lie detector suggested there may have been some uncertainty, resulting in laughter between the sisters and further proof of their playful sibling rapport.
Elle explained her boyfriend, Gus, is unfazed by her celebrity crush. At a previous Golden Globes event, Gus even approached Jack Black, telling him,
“’You’re her hall pass, by the way.’”
– Gus Wenner, music executive (via Elle Fanning)
A Red Carpet Full of Notable Celebrity Couples
The 2026 Golden Globes was more than just the scene of a memorable Jack Black celebrity shoutout; it was a showcase of Hollywood’s most prominent couples. Notable pairings spotted on the red carpet included:
- Adam Scott & Naomi Scott
- Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone, with McCarthy in custom Christian Siriano and Marco Bicego jewelry
- Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons
- Kevin Hart & Eniko Hart
- George Clooney & Amal Clooney
- Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis
- Kyra Sedgwick & Kevin Bacon
- Adam Sandler & Jackie Sandler
- Leslie Mann & Judd Apatow
- Aimee Lou Wood & Adam Long, with Aimee in Vivienne Westwood and Adam wearing a TAG Heuer watch
- Ethan Hawke & Ryan Hawke, noted for their classic style
- Ryan Coogler & Zinzi Coogler, with Ryan in custom Thom Brown and Zinzi in Yeprem rings and bracelet
- Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson & Lauren Hashian, Johnson sporting Chopard
- Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe, with Sterling in Brioni
- John Krasinski & Emily Blunt, with Emily in Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. jewelry and John in Dolce & Gabbana
- Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard
- Shaheen Oza & Rohan Oza, with Rohan as a POPPI co-founder and Shark Tank judge
- Will Arnett & Carolyn Murphy
- Jason Bateman & Amanda Anka
- Dave Franco & Alison Brie
- Justin Hartley & Sofia Pernas
- Danny Fujikawa & Kate Hudson, Kate in Giorgio Armani Privé
- Keegan-Michael Key & Elle Key
- Elle Fanning & Gus Wenner, with Elle in Gucci and Cartier jewelry
- Sara Wells & Noah Wyle
- Kumail Nanjiani & Emily V. Gordon
- Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco, Selena in Chanel
- Mark Ruffalo & Sunrise Coigney
- Adam Brody & Leighton Meester, Leighton in Miu Miu and Kendra Scott jewelry, Adam in Valentino and Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas & Nick Jonas, Priyanka in Christian Dior and Bvlgari jewelry
The event’s guest list further underscored how celebrity relationships are celebrated and scrutinized at high-profile occasions, with many couples displaying their individual style and the support they offer one another in the spotlight.
Why This Moment Resonates
The Jack Black celebrity shoutout directed at Elle Fanning offers a candid look at how stars balance admiration, humor, and camaraderie in front of a global audience. The willingness of Fanning and her peers to share lighthearted personal stories—like family group chats about celebrities and laughter over lie detector results—makes these public figures more relatable. Meanwhile, the presence of couples like Ethan Hawke & Ryan Hawke, Adam Sandler & Jackie Sandler, and others at the Golden Globes highlights Hollywood’s enduring fascination with romance both on and off the screen.
The playful, yet respectful, interaction between Fanning, her boyfriend Gus Wenner, and Jack Black exemplifies the sense of fun that celebrities often bring to major events. As fans continue to discuss the standout moments from the Golden Globes, this particular exchange captures the blend of admiration, humor, and connection that defines much of entertainment’s award season buzz.
