The 2026 Golden Globes, held on January 11 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, saw several notable stars missing from the ceremony, including Michelle Williams. Her absence became a talking point, bringing attention to the reasons why some top nominees, such as Williams, were not present to accept their accolades in person, with the Michelle Williams Golden Globes absence drawing particular interest.
Stars Missing from the 2026 Golden Globes Ceremony
Host Nikki Glaser opened the event before a glamorous audience, but sharp-eyed attendees and viewers noticed that certain acclaimed celebrities, expected to walk the red carpet and take their seats among the industry elite, did not attend. One of the most significant absences was Michelle Williams, who recently won the award for Best Female Actor – Television – Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion Picture for her lead role in “Dying for Sex.” Instead of joining the celebrations in Los Angeles, Williams was in New York, dedicating herself to her stage performance in “Anna Christie.”
Other stars also missed the ceremony for a variety of professional and personal reasons. Billy Crudup was another high-profile absentee. As a nominee for Best Supporting Male Actor – Television for his role in “The Morning Show,” Crudup’s presence was anticipated, but his commitment to a stage production in London kept him away from the festivities in California.
Regina Hall, recognized for her work in “One Battle After Another,” could not participate due to illness. She received a heartfelt mention from Paul Thomas Anderson during his acceptance speech for Best Screenplay – Motion Picture:
“Regina, who can’t be with us here tonight, she’s not feeling well,”
— Paul Thomas Anderson, Director
He continued, giving insight into their collaboration:
“She’s one of the first people I gave this script to. She’s been with from the beginning. Great collaborator.”
— Paul Thomas Anderson, Director
Carrie Coon, known for her performance on “The White Lotus,” opted not to attend despite her nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television. Coon prioritized her ongoing obligations on Broadway, explaining her decision in a social media post:
“I won’t be able to support my friends or fawn over the artists I admire @goldenglobes tonight,”
— Carrie Coon, Actor
She went on to express gratitude for the recognition:
“But I’m grateful for the recognition and I know you’re all just happy to be at the table. #GoldenGlobes2026 #Bug #WhiteLotus.”
— Carrie Coon, Actor
Unique Circumstances Behind Celebrity Absences
The reasons behind each absence at the Golden Globes were as diverse as the actors themselves. Rose Byrne, who won Best Female Actor in Motion Picture Musical/Comedy, attended the event, but her partner, Bobby Cannavale, skipped the ceremony for an entirely different event — a reptile convention in New Jersey. Byrne humorously shared her partner’s priorities during a segment on
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”
:
“We’re getting a bearded dragon. This expo is the place to go.”
— Rose Byrne, Actor
Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her work in the “Wicked” franchise and a nominee for a Golden Globe, was absent as she prepared for her one-woman production of “Dracula” in London. When she received her nomination, Erivo shared her excitement with E! News:
“Wow! What lovely news to receive live from the rehearsal room of Dracula.”
— Cynthia Erivo, Actor
She continued, reflecting on the journey with the film:
“It’s an honor to be nominated once again for this film,”
— Cynthia Erivo, Actor
“It has been a beautiful journey to play this character, and this is the cherry on top.”
— Cynthia Erivo, Actor
Erivo also took the opportunity to honor her colleague Ariana Grande and her creative team:
“This entire journey could never have been possible without the wonderful leadership of my brother and glorious director Jon M. Chu and producer extraordinaire everyone could only wish for, Marc Platt.”
— Cynthia Erivo, Actor
Michelle Williams’ Golden Globes absence mirrored the professional realities faced by many in the industry who balance stage and screen commitments. Her work in “Anna Christie” on Broadway was a testament to the enduring dedication performers give to their craft, regardless of red-carpet opportunities.
Red Carpet Standouts: Celebs Who Attended
While some luminaries were notably missing, many others brought their signature style to the event and celebrated their achievements in person. Among the high-profile attendees were Jennifer Lopez, presenting a classic look in vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer paired with Christian Louboutin accessories. Dakota Fanning graced the occasion in Vivienne Westwood, complemented by Fred Leighton jewelry.
Owen Cooper wore Bottega Veneta, while Jennifer Lawrence arrived in custom Givenchy and Sabyasachi jewelry, highlighting a sophisticated approach. Hailee Steinfeld selected Prada with Desert Diamonds from Repossi.
Rose Byrne shined in Chanel, Amanda Seyfried sported Versace, and Ariana Grande wore custom Vivienne Westwood with Swarovski jewelry. Julia Roberts, a fixture on the red carpet, was in custom Armani Privé with Swarovski accents.
Married couples like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas made a fashionable impression in custom Christian Dior and Bvlgari jewelry (for Chopra Jonas), and Berluti (for Jonas). Other notable names included Alicia Silverstone in Nicole + Felicia, Orlando Bloom in Berluti, Wunmi Mosaku in Matthew Reisman Collection with Messika High Jewelry, and Ginnifer Goodwin in Giorgio Armani Privé.
Chanel was worn not only by Ayo Edebiri but also by Selena Gomez. Abby Elliott was seen in Valentino and Sydney Evan jewelry, Glen Powell wore Brunello Cucinelli with an Omega watch, and Jennifer Garner wore custom Cong Tri with Boucheron jewelry. Leighton Meester and Adam Brody coordinated looks with Mui Mui, Kendra Scott Jewelry, and pieces by Valentino, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Oliver Peoples, and Allen Edmonds.
Other pairs included Danny Fujikawa and Kate Hudson, both in custom Armani Privé with Garatti jewelry, and Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, who wore Armani Privé. John Krasinski and Emily Blunt attended in Dolce & Gabbana with Bruno Magli shoes, custom Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin shoes, and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Jenna Ortega wore Dilara Findikoglu with Christian Louboutin shoes and Simone Jewels earrings, while Elle Fanning sported Gucci and Cartier jewelry. Tessa Thompson arrived in Balenciaga, and Teyana Taylor made a statement in custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Leonardo DiCaprio wore Dior, and Charlie Hunnam opted for Saint Laurent with a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch.
The Impact of Missing Nominees on the Golden Globes Experience
The absence of high-profile nominees like Michelle Williams, Billy Crudup, Regina Hall, Carrie Coon, Rose Byrne’s partner Bobby Cannavale, and Cynthia Erivo highlighted the multiple demands placed on today’s artists. While celebrations continued on and off the stage, these situations illustrate how actors must often choose between professional commitments, personal needs, and industry events like the Golden Globes.
This year’s ceremony demonstrated the flexibility and endurance required from artists as they pursue opportunities across the globe, from Broadway and the West End to film and television productions. As the entertainment industry continues to adapt, the Michelle Williams Golden Globes absence and similar stories reflect the reality that the spotlight often shines both on- and off-stage, with talent celebrated wherever their craft takes them next.
I won’t be able to support my friends or fawn over the artists I admire @goldenglobes tonight, but I’m grateful for the recognition and I know you’re all just happy to be at the table. 😉#GoldenGlobes2026 #Bug #WhiteLotus
— Carrie Coon (@carriecoon) January 11, 2026
