During the prestigious 2026 Golden Globe Awards ceremony, veteran actress Julia Roberts received a warm and extended standing ovation from her peers and the entire audience. Her presence on stage to present a significant award stirred the Beverly Hilton auditorium, eliciting cheers and applause. This memorable moment showcased her lasting influence in the entertainment industry, celebrated by both acclaimed stars and rising talents alike.
Golden Globes 2026: Julia Roberts' Triumphant Return and Memorable Interactions
On a glittering evening at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, held at the opulent Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Hollywood legend Julia Roberts made a grand entrance that brought the entire star-studded assembly to its feet. As the beloved actress from cinematic classics like Pretty Woman and My Best Friend's Wedding stepped onto the stage, a wave of enthusiastic applause erupted, culminating in a spontaneous and prolonged standing ovation. Roberts, known for her captivating charm, playfully encouraged the crowd, exclaiming, “Yep, everybody! Let's go! In the back! Come on!” Acknowledging the moment, she quipped about fellow actress Emma Stone's reaction, saying, “Emma Stone, she's like, 'What the hell is going on right now.'”
Later in the ceremony, Roberts, after humorously declaring, “Wow, thank you. I'm going to be impossible for at least a week,” presented the award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The esteemed accolade went to Paul Thomas Anderson’s captivating film, One Battle After Another. Before opening the decisive envelope, Roberts took a moment to commend Eva Victor, the writer, director, and star of Sorry, Baby, hailing her as “my hero.” She passionately urged the audience to watch Victor's film, reinforcing her support for new talent.
Roberts herself had been among the distinguished nominees for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, a category that saw Renate Reinsve, Tessa Thompson, and Jennifer Lawrence also competing. The award ultimately went to Jessie Buckley for her compelling role in Hamnet. In a touching moment during her acceptance speech, Buckley paid tribute to Roberts, stating, “You are a hero to us all!”
Following Roberts' presentation, her former Ocean's franchise co-stars, Don Cheadle and George Clooney, appeared on stage to announce the winner of the Best Motion Picture – Drama, which Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet gracefully secured. Cheadle light-heartedly teased Clooney about Roberts’ reception, remarking, “I saw Julia backstage, she's looking good, everybody stood up.” Clooney, with a touch of mock-disappointment, retorted, “Yeah, they didn't stand up [for us].” Although their films, After the Hunt and Jay Kelly, did not secure awards, the evening saw One Battle After Another emerge as a major triumph, sweeping awards for Best Film, Director, Screenplay, and Supporting Actress, with Teyana Taylor earning recognition for her performance.
The overwhelming adoration for Julia Roberts at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards serves as a potent reminder of the enduring power of genuine star quality and charisma. Even amidst a constellation of contemporary talents, Roberts continues to command respect and admiration, her mere presence electrifying a room full of discerning peers. This event underscores that some legends, regardless of their recent filmography, possess an inherent magnetism that transcends fleeting trends and continues to captivate hearts. It also highlights the graciousness within the industry, where established icons readily acknowledge and celebrate rising stars, fostering a supportive environment. Such moments are not just about awards; they are about recognizing the profound impact individuals have on the art form and on each other.