Joey King and Taylor Zakhar Perez shared a joyous reunion at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards held on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. This moment marks the first time the pair has reunited publicly since they wrapped up their popular Kissing Booth franchise for Netflix, which had both its second and third installments released amid the pandemic.
King, known for her role as Elle, and Perez, who portrayed Marco, became household names for their on-screen romance and the love triangle involving Jacob Elordi's character, Noah Flynn. Over the years, their off-screen friendship blossomed, and glimpses of this bond were evident at this year’s awards where King took the stage as a presenter, creating excitement among attendees and fans alike.
Reflecting on their enduring friendship, King told Variety, "Last year I was his plus one, and so this year he's mine." Her light-hearted mention underlined their mutual support for each other as they navigate the award ceremony together. King expressed her gratitude for Perez's presence, explaining, "I think it’s really nice because we communicate in a way of like, we lift each other up, we’re each other's great hype men, which is nice." It’s evident their friendship has stood the test of time, as the two often lean on one another during these high-pressure events.
Perez echoed similar sentiments during their time together, reflecting on their previous film releases interrupted by the pandemic. He shared with Entertainment Weekly, "We were in COVID times when Kissing Booth 2 and 3 came out so we didn't get to have any premieres, really anything exciting. And so we've just been kind of celebrating." Their relationship showcases the happy moments they chose to cherish even during the uncertainty brought about by global events.
King attended the SAG Awards proudly dressed in a custom Miu Miu dress coupled with exquisite Bucherer jewelry. Meanwhile, Perez looked dapper in his Giorgio Armani tuxedo. Their stylish appearances flaunted not just their individual personalities but also reflected the camaraderie they have cultivated over the years.
During the awards, King presented the male actor in a comedy series, drawing from her own experience as she previously won a SAG Award herself for her role in the 2020 miniseries The Act. Her deserved recognition showcased her growth and evolution as an actress, drawing admiration from industry veterans and fans alike. This event marked yet another significant moment as she has transitioned from the bubbly high school roles to more serious dramatic performances.
It's worth noting how both stars have been active within the industry even after finishing Kissing Booth, which had been largely celebrated for being romantic yet relatable. The franchise garnered them international fame, and now, with Perez having served as a SAG Ambassador at the 2024 awards, both have made noteworthy strides forward. "A class act," Perez affectionately commented on attending King's wedding, emphasizing the bond they have as friends.
While the duo enjoyed their time together at the SAG Awards, the ceremony itself was also significant for other reasons. This year marks Kristen Bell's return as host for the second time, with celebrated productions such as Wicked leading the nominations with five nods. Similarly, Shogun dominated the television categories, also picking up five nominations, showcasing the diverse talent celebrated during the prestigious gathering.
The SAG Awards streamed live on Netflix for the second consecutive year, allowing fans and viewers worldwide to soak up the glitz and glamour of the event. With red carpets alive with starlight, the awards not only recognize the achievements of outstanding actors and films but also bring forth the camaraderie and friendships forged through years of collaboration.
For Joey King and Taylor Zakhar Perez, their reunion at the SAG Awards is not merely about glimmering awards or golden statues – it is about celebrating the bond of friendship and mutual support. Their story is one of joy, nostalgia, and the excitement of new beginnings, reminding fans just how impactful their on-screen relationship was and continues to be even off-screen.