Sean Penn And Valeria Nicov Step Out In Santa Monica

In the ever-watchful world of Hollywood, some couples still manage to keep a low profile—until, of course, they step out in public and set the rumor mill spinning. Such was the case on January 14, 2026, when Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn, 65, and his girlfriend, Moldovan actress and model Valeria Nicov, 30, were photographed strolling hand-in-hand through sunny Santa Monica, California. Their rare public appearance came just days after Penn’s headline-grabbing night at the 2026 Golden Globes, and for many, it offered a glimpse into a relationship that’s quietly evolved behind the scenes.

The couple’s outing was, by all accounts, casual yet striking. According to Page Six, Penn sported a white button-up shirt, navy blazer, and black pants—classic Hollywood understated. Nicov, meanwhile, opted for a chic all-black ensemble: sweater, slacks, a long coat, sunglasses, and a shoulder purse. Observers noted Penn’s trademark nonchalance, cigarette in hand, as they chatted and browsed shop windows. Nicov, smiling and relaxed, seemed at ease in the actor’s company—a rare sight, given the couple’s penchant for privacy.

The timing of their appearance was no accident. Just three days earlier, Penn attended the 2026 Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, where he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Though he didn’t take home the award—Stellan Skarsgård ultimately triumphed—it was still a night to remember. Penn was seated alongside co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, and the pair even went viral for their animated banter and, in Penn’s case, for being photographed smoking inside the grand ballroom. As LADbible reported, the actor’s laid-back demeanor was on full display, both on the red carpet and at his table.

Valeria Nicov, however, was notably absent from the ceremony. According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), Nicov did not accompany Penn to the Globes, a detail that only fueled curiosity about their relationship. The couple, after all, has rarely been seen together in public since they were first romantically linked in September 2024, when Page Six published photos of them sharing a kiss in Madrid. Their official red carpet debut came at the Marrakech International Film Festival in November 2024, and they’ve since been spotted at select events, including the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, and a romantic dinner in Paris last July.

For those unfamiliar with Nicov, she’s hardly a newcomer to the entertainment world. Born in Moldova and reportedly fluent in seven languages, Nicov has built an impressive résumé, both on screen and on the runway. She’s starred in films like Lineman Up: Storm Soldiers 3, Paris Pigalle (2018), and Ténor (2022), and has modeled for high-fashion brands including Carolina Herrera, Maison Ola, Dada Sport, and Bonanza Paris. Television audiences might recognize her from appearances on Emily in Paris and French series such as Mike and Don’t Worry About the Kids. According to her agency bio, Nicov studied acting at both the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London and the renowned Cours Florent in Paris—a background that’s served her well in the international spotlight.

The age gap between Penn and Nicov—approximately 35 years—has not gone unnoticed, especially in a town where such relationships are often fodder for late-night monologues. In fact, Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser couldn’t resist a playful jab at Penn during her opening remarks. "Everyone in this town is obsessed with looking younger, but Sean Penn is like, 'What if I slowly morph into a sexy leather handbag?'" she quipped, as reported by E! News. The camera caught Penn laughing and nodding along, clearly unfazed. Glaser continued, "I feel like a lot of actors talk the talk, but Sean Penn will actually go to the places in the world that need help the most and he will do cocaine there." Penn, ever the good sport, chuckled at the punchline, which drew cheers from the audience.

Penn’s dating history is as storied as his film career. He was married to pop icon Madonna from 1985 to 1989, then to actress Robin Wright from 1996 to 2010, and most recently to actress Leila George from 2020 to 2022. Along the way, he’s been linked to other high-profile women such as Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson. In a candid interview with The New York Times prior to dating Nicov, Penn reflected on his love life, expressing contentment with being single and a desire for freedom in relationships. “I’m just free,” he said. “If I’m going to be in a relationship, I’m still going to be free, or I’m not going to be in it, and I’m not going to be hurting. I don’t sense I’ll have my heart broken by romance again.” He spoke with characteristic candor about heartbreak and the challenges of finding fulfillment, adding, “The first thing I see in the morning are eyes wondering what I’m going to do to make them happy that day. Rarely reciprocated.”

Nicov, for her part, has embraced her new role in the Hollywood spotlight with poise. The couple’s relationship, while private, has become a subject of fascination not just for their age difference, but for the contrast in their public personas—Penn, the brooding, world-weary actor and activist; Nicov, the cosmopolitan, multi-lingual model and actress. Together, they’ve managed to keep the focus on their work and their shared moments, rather than on tabloid speculation.

Their Santa Monica outing marks one of the few times they’ve been photographed together since going public. According to Just Jared, the last sighting was in Paris in July 2025, where they enjoyed a quiet dinner with friends. Despite the attention, both seem committed to keeping their romance largely out of the limelight—a feat in today’s hyper-connected celebrity culture.

As the awards season buzz fades and the couple returns to their routines, fans and observers are left to wonder: Will Penn and Nicov continue to keep their love story under wraps, or will Hollywood’s glare eventually draw them further into the public eye? For now, at least, they seem content to walk their own path—hand in hand, cigarette and all.

In a city where relationships are often fleeting and privacy is hard-won, Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov’s understated approach stands out. Their story, unfolding quietly amid the noise of celebrity culture, offers a reminder that even in Hollywood, some things are better savored away from the spotlight.