Sean Penn, the 65-year-old actor currently earning critical praise for his role as Colonel Lockjaw in Paul Thomas Anderson‘s film One Battle After Another, was recently spotted with his much younger girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, in Santa Monica. This public appearance came just two days after the Golden Globes on January 11, 2026, where Sean celebrated but his partner did not attend. Their notable age gap and distinct difference in height drew attention as they enjoyed a casual walk.
Sean, standing at 5’8″, wore a black blazer over a white shirt paired with black slacks and white sneakers, while Valeria, a 30-year-old model, opted for an all-black ensemble consisting of a mid-length coat, turtleneck, pants, and sporty tennis shoes. Although she was absent from the Golden Globes event with Sean, the couple has a history of attending prestigious gatherings together, including their debut appearance in November 2024 at the Marrakech International Film Festival and a more recent outing at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025.
Valeria Nicov’s Modelling Career and International Work
Valeria Nicov is a sought-after model represented by Premium Models, a Paris-based agency. Over her career, she has worked with notable brands such as Carolina Herrera, Dada Sport, and Bonanza. Her portfolio, as seen on her Instagram, highlights her strong modeling presence and features numerous professional shots demonstrating her distinct look and stature.
Acting Training and Multilingual Talents
Besides modeling, Valeria has pursued acting seriously. Hailing from Chisinau, Moldova, she studied at two renowned institutions: the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and the Parisian Cours Florent. Her acting credits include a minor role as a bartender in the Netflix series Emily in Paris and appearances in French TV productions such as Mike and Don’t Worry About the Kids.
Her talent agency’s biography reveals additional skills beyond acting and modeling. Valeria is fluent in four languages—French, English, Spanish, and Russian. She also plays the piano and is experienced in horse riding, as evidenced by her equestrian-themed shoot with Dada Sports in Italy in 2023, which she captioned, “Riding the dream.”
Chronology of Their Relationship
The romance between Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov began in 2024. According to reports from Page Six, the couple was first spotted publicly in September 2024 in Madrid, where they were seen kissing and holding hands. Two months later, they stepped onto the red carpet together for the first time at the 21st Marrakech International Film Festival. For that event, Valeria made an elegant impression wearing a strapless black gown paired with a cape, her hair styled in a ballerina bun.
Valeria’s Close Friendship With Camille Razat
Valeria Nicov maintains a close friendship with Camille Razat, who portrayed Camille in the first four seasons of Emily in Paris. Valeria frequently posts photos of Camille on Instagram, affectionately referring to her as ma femme (French for “my wife”). Their connection may trace back to their time together at the Cours Florent drama school in Paris. Additionally, in 2018, both attended the Paris premiere of the film Paris Pigalle, where they shared the screen.
Sean Penn’s Previous Relationship Status and Past Marriages
Prior to his relationship with Valeria, Sean Penn expressed in June 2024 to The New York Times that he was content with being single. He remarked,
“I’m not going to be hurting. I don’t sense I’ll have my heart broken by romance again.”
Sean’s personal history includes marrying some of Hollywood’s biggest names. He was wed to Madonna from 1985 until 1989 and had a long marriage to Robin Wright from 1996 to 2010, with whom he shares two children. More recently, he was married to Australian actress Leila George from 2020 to 2022. Sean has also been romantically linked to Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson at various points in his life.
The Significance of This New Relationship
The public emergence of Sean Penn with Valeria Nicov marks a new chapter in the actor’s personal life amid his rising professional acclaim. Their noticeable age difference and Valeria’s successful careers in modeling and acting add public fascination to their union. As Sean eyes possible Oscar recognition for his latest role, his evolving relationship reflects a blend of his artistic renaissance and personal reinvention. Observers and fans alike will follow how this couple’s story develops amidst Hollywood’s spotlight.
