Rose Byrne addressed the reason why her longtime partner, Bobby Cannavale, did not attend the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony, revealing that he was at a reptile expo instead. The event took place on February 22, when Byrne clarified in an interview with The New York Times that Cannavale’s absence was related to their children and not the awards show itself, emphasizing the importance of family over public announcements.
Byrne’s Golden Globes Acceptance Speech Highlights
During the Golden Globes, Byrne won Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. In her acceptance speech, she humorously explained why Cannavale could not be present. She mentioned,
“I want to thank my husband, Bobby Cannavale, he couldn’t be here because we’re getting a bearded dragon and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey. Thank you baby!”
This candid moment drew public attention to his absence and Byrne’s lighthearted approach to the situation.
Family Life and Challenges with Their Children
Byrne and Cannavale began their relationship in 2012, and since then, they have built a family with two sons: Rocco, born in 2016, and Rafael, born in November 2017. The couple has openly discussed the dynamics between their children. Byrne once described the early months after Rafael’s arrival as challenging, particularly for Rocco, who struggled to accept having a younger brother initially. She shared on Live With Kelly and Ryan,
“It’s pretty hectic. It’s funny that the little guy is a lot more aggressive than the big guy. [Rafael] just goes in for the tackle and loves to pin [Rocco] down. … There was a bit of an adjustment at first.”
Additionally, Byrne remarked,
“Rocco, he didn’t quite get having the brother and he would wake up in the morning and go, ‘No Rafa, no Rafa.’ It’s quite a trauma on them, I think, the first few months. It toughens them up, right?”
These comments reveal the intensity and emotional adjustments involved in growing their family.
The Couple’s Approach to Marriage and Parenthood
Despite their long-standing relationship and family growth, Byrne and Cannavale have chosen not to rush into marriage. Byrne explained the situation in a July 2021 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, stating,
“I keep going, ‘Let’s get around to it, let’s do it.’ And then, you know, you have a baby, and then, oh, there’s another baby. It was kind of like that for us.”
She also acknowledged their respect for weddings while explaining how the pandemic delayed their plans:
“I love weddings, and I know people [for whom] it’s an important thing, and I respect that totally. I guess for us it’s just been, we didn’t do it, we’ll do it, then — no! Pandemic.”
This candid insight into their personal life illustrates how external circumstances have influenced their decisions.
Professional Collaborations and Mutual Support
Throughout their careers, Byrne and Cannavale have appeared on screen together multiple times. Cannavale made a cameo in Byrne’s series Platonic and also co-starred in several films including Spy, Annie, Adult Beginners, Inappropriate Behaviour, and Ezra. The couple has consistently expressed support for each other’s work.
In a 2025 exclusive with Us Weekly, Cannavale praised Byrne, saying,
“We’ve been doing this a long time. We’re supportive of each other. Rose is my favorite actor on the planet. I’m always surprised and amazed at her work. The different qualities that she brings to all these characters — I never see her the same way twice. I would like to show up for her — unequivocally — for anything that she’s a part of.”
He expressed particular admiration for Byrne’s recent film Tow, calling her performance remarkable:
“I think she’s phenomenal. I really haven’t seen a performance like that in a very long time. It’s one of those [movies] I think people will be talking about for a very long time. This is one of those performances for the ages.”
What This Means for Their Future and Public Presence
Rose Byrne’s explanation of Bobby Cannavale’s absence from the Golden Globes reflects their prioritization of family commitments over industry events, while also highlighting the authentic and sometimes chaotic nature of their lives. Their openness about parenting challenges and relationship milestones, alongside their mutual professional respect and collaborations, continue to define their public personas. As they balance expanding family life and demanding careers, fans and observers can expect Byrne and Cannavale to maintain their grounded approach to both fame and private matters.
