Sean Penn public outing with his girlfriend Valeria Nicov on January 14 in Santa Monica caught attention, coming just days after the actor attended the 2026 Golden Globes alone. The couple’s low-profile appearance fueled speculation about their relationship, as they were seen walking hand in hand during the rare outing.
Quiet Public Appearance Highlights Relationship
The 65-year-old actor and the 30-year-old model were photographed together for only the second time since their red-carpet debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival in late 2024. Penn maintained a casual style, wearing a navy jacket over a white shirt, paired with gray pants and white sneakers. Nicov chose a simple all-black look, featuring a peacoat, joggers, and tennis shoes.
Golden Globes Presence and Mood
Earlier that week, Penn attended the Golden Globes ceremony solo, where he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but lost to Stellan Skarsgård. Despite the outcome, the two-time Oscar winner appeared in good spirits, sharing laughter with host Nikki Glaser during the event. This contrasted with the much quieter and more intimate walk through Santa Monica with Nicov.
Maintaining Privacy After Personal Changes
Since finalizing his divorce from Leila George in 2022, Penn has carefully shielded his relationship with Nicov from public attention. Their recent sighting marks a rare glimpse into their life together, suggesting a desire to keep their connection low-key despite growing public interest. This measured approach reflects a thoughtful balance between private life and public persona for the acclaimed actor.
