Rose Byrne gave a unique explanation for why longtime partner Bobby Cannavale was unable to join her at the 2026 Golden Globes, where she won best actress in a musical or comedy movie for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

Byrne, who earned her first-ever Golden Globe, appeared surprised upon hearing her name and told the crowd from the podium, “Of course, I didn’t prepare anything.” She went on to thank the film’s writer-director, Mary Bronstein, and quipped about the A24 project, “We shot this movie in 25 days for like $8.50.”

The Australian actress thanked brother George for accompanying her to the ceremony. She also noted that her parents “bought Paramount+ so they could watch the Golden Globes from Sydney.”

Byrne explained that Cannavale was unable to join her at the Golden Globes because he was in the process of finding a new, cold-blooded member of the family. “We’re getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey,” she said to laughter from crowd. (Byrne referred to Cannavale as “my husband” but has noted in previous interviews that the pair, who have been together for over a decade, are not legally married.)

The other nominees in the category 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).

Last year’s winner in the category was The Substance star Demi Moore, who was nominated for the best actress Oscar but lost to Mikey Madison for Anora.

Nikki Glaser hosted the 2026 Golden Globes Awards on Sunday from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The ceremony can be seen live on CBS and Paramount+ With Showtime.

Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter.

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