The 83rd Golden Globes, held on January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, was a night of surprises, heartfelt speeches, and more than a few laughs. But perhaps the most memorable story didn’t unfold on stage—it happened offstage, across the country, and in the form of a scaly new family member. Rose Byrne, the acclaimed Australian actress, took home the award for 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, but her husband, actor Bobby Cannavale, was notably absent. The reason? He was at a reptile expo in New Jersey, picking up a bearded dragon for their sons.
Byrne’s win was a highlight in a night filled with tough competition. She bested a field that included Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Amanda Seyfried (The Testament of Ann Lee), and Emma Stone (Bugonia). According to Decider, Byrne’s victory was a delightful surprise, both for her and for the audience. "I didn’t prepare anything, but I didn’t sing in this movie, guys," she joked as she took the stage, her genuine shock clear to everyone watching. "Thank you so much. This is such a shock. Thank you so much. I share this with Mary Bronstein, my writer/director. She wrote this unbelievable screenplay, and she wanted me to do it, and I can’t believe that you wanted me to do it. You’re just the best. I love you."
Byrne’s speech was a whirlwind of gratitude, humility, and humor. She thanked her fellow nominees, the team at A24, producers Josh Safdie, Eli Bush, Ronnie Bronstein, and Sarah Murphy, and everyone who believed in the project. She emphasized the film’s humble beginnings: "We shot this movie in 25 days for like $8.50. This is like a tiny film, so this is a huge thing to be up here." The audience responded with laughter and applause, charmed by her candor and wit.
Of course, Byrne didn’t forget her family. She gave a shoutout to her brother, who attended the ceremony as her date, and her parents, who watched the event from Sydney via Paramount+. But it was her mention of Cannavale—and the reason for his absence—that truly stole the show. "I want to thank my husband, Bobby Cannavale, who couldn’t be here because we’re getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey. So thank you, baby!" The line brought the house down, especially for fans of Platonic, the Apple TV comedy where Byrne’s character has plenty of experience with bearded dragons. As Decider reported, the moment was "absolutely iconic."
Backstage, Byrne spoke with Extra’s Mona Kosar Abdi, confessing that she was "in shock" and "truly was unprepared" for the win. She reflected on the film’s significance, saying, "It's small in scale but huge in concept and huge in feeling and ambition. And it's a risk to put a middle-aged woman at the… center of every frame of a film. And Mary Bronstein did that, and she got it made, and she's a force of nature, and she believed in me, and I love her—and that's why I'm here." Byrne also praised her co-stars as "the most beautiful, wonderful cast members."
As for Cannavale, Byrne confirmed the story was no joke. "It really is true. Yes. It’s going well. We've got the guy. He’s really cute and he's in the house." She even managed a quick FaceTime with Cannavale during the event, though the reception was spotty. "He was super cute. He was crying and he was adorable," she told Extra, adding with a laugh, "Bobby is doing God's work. This is easy."
The story of the bearded dragon began days before the ceremony. During a January 8 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Byrne joked about Cannavale’s prior commitment. "He can’t come, which is such a bummer. This expo is the place to go," she quipped, showing support for their sons Rocco, 9, and Rafael, 8, who were eager for a new pet. "I think they’re gorgeous," Byrne said of the reptiles. "I think they eat live crickets. I had a friend who had one and she said that crickets do escape sometimes." It’s safe to say the family’s new addition was a team effort—and a memorable one at that.
While Cannavale’s absence was felt, his support for Byrne’s career has never been in doubt. He even made a guest appearance in the second season of Platonic, further cementing his role as Byrne’s biggest fan. The couple’s playful dynamic, on full display throughout the Golden Globes saga, was a refreshing reminder that even Hollywood’s brightest stars have everyday family moments—like picking up a pet at a reptile expo.
The 2026 Golden Globes had plenty of other highlights. According to Decider and E! News, Seth Rogen won Best Actor in a Comedy for The Studio, Rhea Seehorn finally took home a Golden Globe for her work in Pluribus, and Teyana Taylor delivered a stirring speech: "Our dreams deserve space." The night also saw wins for Hamnet (Best Drama), One Battle After Another (Best Musical or Comedy), The Pitt (Best TV Drama), and Adolescence (Best Limited Series). Nikki Glaser’s roast of Hollywood A-listers and her playful jab at CBS News boss Bari Weiss added a dash of irreverence to the proceedings.
But for many viewers, it was Byrne’s authenticity and humor that lingered long after the credits rolled. In an industry often defined by glitz and polish, her willingness to share the quirky details of her personal life—right down to the bearded dragon—made her win all the more endearing.
As awards season continues, fans and critics alike will be watching to see if Byrne and Rogen’s work on Platonic finally gets the recognition it deserves. For now, though, Byrne’s Golden Globe win—and the bearded dragon adventure—remind us that sometimes, life’s biggest moments come with a side of crickets and a whole lot of heart.