Sean Penn was spotted enjoying a rare date night on January 14 in Santa Monica, California, just days after attending the 2026 Golden Globes. The two-time Oscar winner spent a quiet evening with his girlfriend Valeria Nicov, marking one of the few public moments the couple has shared since their red carpet debut last November at the Marrakech International Film Festival.
Quiet Evening Walk in Santa Monica
The outing showed Sean, 65, and Valeria, 30, strolling hand-in-hand along the coast, offering a contrast to Penn’s high-profile appearance earlier in the week. Wearing a navy jacket over a white button-down shirt and paired with gray pants and white sneakers, Sean kept his look relaxed. Valeria complemented him in an all-black ensemble, including a peacoat, joggers, and tennis shoes, emphasizing the couple’s understated style during the rare outing.
This appearance was notable because Valeria was absent during Sean’s Golden Globes evening, where he was nominated for Best Supporting Male Actor in any Motion Picture. Despite not winning the award, losing to Stellan Skarsgård, Sean seemed to enjoy the event, sharing laughter as host Nikki Glaser delivered jokes at his expense.
Golden Globes: Humor and Humanitarian Recognition
Nikki Glaser’s monologue included several jabs aimed at the actor, highlighting both his age and humanitarian efforts with cheeky humor. One of her quips was:
“Everyone in this town is obsessed with looking younger, but Sean Penn is like, ‘What if I slowly morph into a sexy leather handbag?'” Nikki Glaser, Comedian
The actor responded with laughter and approval, signaling a good-natured reception to the humor.
Glaser also touched on Penn’s dedication to global humanitarian work, noting,
“I feel like a lot of actors talk the talk, but Sean Penn will actually go to the places in the world that need help the most and he will do cocaine there,”
a joke that prompted more chuckles from Penn. Nikki added,
“Sean, I did get permission to do that joke from your two best friends Charlie Sheen and El Chapo.”
Further jokes about Penn were shared later on The Howard Stern Show, including:
“Sean Penn is nominated tonight, I’m assuming for Best Neck Veins,”
and
“Sean Penn is here looking like the defiant last tree standing in a rainforest.”
These jabs painted a picture of Penn as both respected and playfully teased by Hollywood insiders.
Highlights from the 2026 Golden Globes Night
The Golden Globes evening itself was filled with memorable moments involving a variety of stars. Leonardo DiCaprio continued to impress as he connected warmly with rising actor Owen Cooper, who won Best Supporting Male Actor in a TV Series for his role in “Adolescence.”
Teyana Taylor’s powerful performance in “One Battle After Another” earned her Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, edging out competition including Ariana Grande, who was also nominated. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet celebrated his first Golden Globe win—Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical—for “Marty Supreme,” witnessed by longtime Golden Globes attendee Kylie Jenner.
Jacob Elordi shared a lighter moment with his “Deep Water” co-star Ana de Armas despite not securing a win. Hollywood staples Julia Roberts and George Clooney made a striking appearance together, exuding charm even as the industry’s happily married icons. The presence of powerful industry figures such as Miles Caton, Kevin Hart, Seth Rogen, and Michael B. Jordan underscored this year’s strong studio involvement.
Standout Celebrities and Unforgettable Interactions
Orlando Bloom captured attention as a notable presence, appearing to be the “coolest guy in the room,” a moment the Hollywood Foreign Press Association may have overlooked in their official categories. Leonardo DiCaprio was also spotted sharing a laugh with Julia Roberts during the ceremony, highlighting their status as members of Hollywood’s inner circle. Elsewhere, Marlon Wayans enjoyed golden moments with the star voice artists of the Kpop sensation “Demon Hunters.”
Kristen Bell’s light-hearted exchange with director Jon M. Chu hinted at future collaborations, as she was overheard saying,
“Yes, yes I will star in your next musical,”
suggesting enthusiasm for upcoming projects.
At the celebrity tables, intimate moments were captured such as Steve Martin and his co-stars from “Only Murders in the Building,” including Selena Gomez and her husband Benny Blanco, posing for candid snapshots. White Lotus reunion vibes were evident as Patrick Schwarzenegger and Parker Posey shared the night’s warmth without needing any calming medications.
Unexpected Encounters and Celebrated Wins
Jennifer Lawrence was seen mingling with Kylie Jenner, illustrating the natural intersections of Hollywood’s diverse crowd. Eva Victor showed visible pride for Jessie Buckley before Jessie won Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama, for her role in “Hamnet.” Meanwhile, Noah Wyle, known for his role in “The Pitt,” expressed disbelief at his recent Best Actor in a Drama Series Golden Globe, hinting at a rivalry with George Clooney who also portrayed a doctor.
Emotions ran high as Teyana Taylor embraced her surprise win, capturing hearts with her heartfelt response. Justin Hartley and Sterling K. Brown’s reunion four months after the latter’s Emmy appearance with a leg injury was noted by fans and attendees alike. The evening also featured exchanges between Kate Hudson and Jennifer Lopez, who appeared as supportive peers and friends, embodying camaraderie among Hollywood’s elite.
Sean Penn’s Date: A Reflection of Personal and Professional Balance
Sean Penn’s rare public date with Valeria Nicov after the Golden Globes signals a quieter, more personal chapter amidst his busy career and public life. Having divorced Leila George in 2022, Penn’s relationship with Nicov has drawn limited attention until now. Their restrained presence contrasts with the high energy of awards season, emphasizing a possible desire to shield their relationship from the spotlight.
This balance between professional recognition—evident in Penn’s recent nomination and philanthropic work—and private life adds depth to the public’s understanding of the actor’s current phase. While the Golden Globes night was filled with laughter, industry camaraderie, and high-profile moments, Penn’s time with Nicov underscores the importance of seclusion amid the relentless pace of Hollywood events. As Penn continues to engage with both his humanitarian causes and acting projects, fans and observers alike will watch closely to see how he manages this evolving personal journey.
