Sean Penn Golden Globes smoking created a stir during the 2026 ceremony on Sunday night, when the Oscar-winning actor was seen with a lit cigarette inside the Beverly Hilton venue, despite California’s strict indoor smoking laws. Penn, 65, attended the event to celebrate his nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed film One Battle After Another, and was captured on camera seated next to Leonardo DiCaprio, visibly holding the cigarette, which quickly sparked debate online.
Penn’s On-Camera Moment Raises Questions About Smoking Ban
The unforgettable image of Penn with a cigarette at the Golden Globes rapidly circulated on social media platforms, with many viewers noting the apparent breach of California’s Clean Air regulations that ban smoking inside hotels and lodging. The Beverly Hilton, where the Golden Globes was hosted, is covered by these laws, which were reinforced through documents widely shared by advocacy groups in 2024.
One widely referenced guideline states,
California law prohibits smoking in the following places,
including hotels, motels, and other similar venues. These rules have been central to California’s public health efforts in recent years, especially in high-profile gatherings like the Golden Globes.
However, certain exceptions to the rule exist, particularly for the entertainment industry. According to the law, smoking is permissible on set if it forms an integral part of the production’s story. As noted in another provision,
if smoking is an integral part of the story
then such acts can occur indoors as part of the filming process or live performances. It remains unclear whether Penn’s cigarette fell under this exception, and as of press time, representatives for the Golden Globes, the Beverly Hilton, and Sean Penn had yet to offer a public comment regarding the incident.
The Night’s Big Winners at the Golden Globes
Despite the attention drawn by Penn, the night also celebrated major achievements from the cast and crew of One Battle After Another. The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio alongside Penn, secured the coveted award for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, making it a leading favorite for the Best Picture category at the upcoming Oscars. While Penn did not take home the award for his individual category, his co-star Teyana Taylor earned the trophy for Best Supporting Actress and delivered an emotional speech during the event.
The plot of One Battle After Another, featuring DiCaprio as an ex-revolutionary and Chase Infiniti as his daughter rescued from Penn’s portrayal of a ruthless army officer, resonated strongly with both critics and audiences. The film also earned Paul Thomas Anderson two additional Golden Globes for Best Director and Best Screenplay, marking the production as a significant presence in this year’s awards season.
Other Memorable Moments from the Telecast
The 2026 Golden Globes broadcast, aired on CBS, included other headline-grabbing moments. Host Nikki Glaser humorously commented on the network’s ongoing controversies, adding levity to the evening:
America’s newest place to see… BS news!
—Nikki Glaser, during the live telecast. This joke referenced recent discussions about CBS News and its leadership under Bari Weiss, as well as Tony Dokoupil’s role as news anchor.
Wanda Sykes delivered another standout segment by accepting the Best Stand-Up Comedy on Television award on behalf of Ricky Gervais. In a lighthearted yet purposeful gesture, she dedicated the win to God and the trans community, acknowledging recent debates about Gervais’ past comments.
The show closed on a sentimental note as Nikki Glaser honored the late Rob Reiner, director of This Is Spinal Tap, by donning a hat featuring the fictional band’s emblem, giving viewers a touching reminder of the enduring influence of film and comedy.
Significance and Ongoing Discussion
Sean Penn’s visible act of smoking at the Golden Globes continues to prompt discussions regarding public health regulations, celebrity conduct, and the evolving intersection of entertainment with broader societal rules. As the awards season continues, all eyes remain on the cast and creative team of One Battle After Another, now positioned as leading contenders for the Oscars. The incident has also fueled renewed attention to protocols at high-profile Hollywood events and how celebrities like Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Teyana Taylor shape the ongoing conversation about culture, personal choice, and responsibility on the biggest nights in entertainment.
This can’t be legal. pic.twitter.com/hBp0D7O6jt
— Ben Fritz (@benfritz) January 12, 2026
