You’d think after three decades of being one of the most famous women on the planet, Julia Roberts would be used to the pomp and circumstance of an awards show. But honestly, the 2026 Golden Globes proved she’s just like that one friend who can’t stop checking their phone under the table at dinner.
The big story isn’t just that she looked incredible in that plunging black Armani Privé gown—though the strawberry pendant was a weirdly cool touch—it’s that she almost missed her own interview because the San Francisco 49ers were playing the Philadelphia Eagles.
Basically, while Mario Lopez was trying to get a quote about her nominated role in After the Hunt, Julia was busy watching the screen behind him. "Oh s—t, we really gotta get it together," she caught herself saying on live TV. If you’ve ever lived in San Francisco, you know that fandom is a whole mood. Julia and her husband, Danny Moder, moved their family to the city a few years back, and she’s clearly gone full "Niners" faithful.
Julia Roberts Breaking News: The Standing Ovation That Wasn't for an Award
Let’s be real, award shows can be a bit stiff. But when Julia walked out to present the night's final big prize—Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy—the Beverly Hilton basically lost its collective mind.
The room erupted. It wasn't just a polite clap; it was a full-blown standing ovation.
💡 You might also like: Kellyanne Conway Age: Why Her 59th Year Matters More Than Ever
The funny thing? Julia didn't even win her category. She was up for Best Actress for her performance as a Yale professor in After the Hunt, but the trophy ended up going to Jessie Buckley for Hamnet. Most actors would just do the "I'm so happy for her" face and call it a night. Not Julia. She leaned into the love, jokingly telling the crowd she was going to be "impossible for at least a week" because of the applause.
She even called out the people in the back who were slow to stand up. "Everybody! Let’s go! In the back! Come on!" she teased. It’s that exact chaotic, big-sister energy that makes people still care about her in 2026.
Why After the Hunt is Sparking So Much Conversation
If you haven't seen the movie yet, it’s kinda heavy. Directed by Luca Guadagnino (the guy who did Challengers and Call Me By Your Name), it puts Julia in a position we rarely see her in: someone who isn't necessarily the "hero."
In the film, she plays Alma Imhoff. Her life gets messy when one of her students, played by Ayo Edebiri, accuses a colleague (Andrew Garfield) of misconduct. Julia has admitted in recent interviews that she struggled with the role because her natural instinct is to be "hen-like" and protective, while Alma is cold and guarded.
📖 Related: Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
What’s Next: The Ocean’s 14 Update We Needed
While the Golden Globes were happening, a lot of us were wondering if she’s actually going back to the heist life.
The answer is a pretty solid yes.
Julia confirmed she’s read the script for Ocean’s 14. She told Variety she was "kind of surprised" by the story, which is a big deal considering how long it's been since the last one. George Clooney has been the one banging the drum for this, and it looks like the budget is finally cleared at Warner Bros.
Here’s what we know about the production:
👉 See also: Jeremy Renner Accident Recovery: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
- It’s likely going to start filming in late 2026.
- The original core cast—Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle—are all looking to return.
- The script is being described as having a Going in Style vibe, which suggests they aren't trying to pretend they're 30 anymore.
The Rare Date Night with Danny Moder
Julia and Danny have been married since 2002. In Hollywood years, that’s basically a century. They’re famously private, which is why seeing them together at the Globes was actually a bit of a shock.
They weren't just there for the cameras. People inside the ballroom caught them looking genuinely happy, hanging out with Teyana Taylor (who was apparently crying because she finally got to meet her idol). Julia has said before that while her career is a dream come true, the life she built with Danny and their three kids is "the best stuff."
Seeing them on a rare "work date" just reminds everyone why she hasn't burned out. She’s got a life outside the bubble.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Followers
If you’re trying to keep up with Julia Roberts this year, there are a few things you should actually do rather than just scrolling past the headlines:
- Watch the Venice Film Festival Replays: If you want to see why the critics are saying this is her best work since Erin Brockovich, look for the press conferences from After the Hunt. Her chemistry with Ayo Edebiri is actually fascinating.
- Track the Ocean’s 14 Production: Since George Clooney confirmed the 10-month window for filming, keep an eye on production news around September or October of this year. That’s when we’ll likely get the first "leaked" set photos.
- Follow her 49ers Fandom: Seriously, if you want the "real" Julia, watch the sidelines of the San Francisco games. She’s becoming a bit of a staple in Pacific Heights and isn't afraid to let her hair down when the team is winning.
The takeaway from all this Julia Roberts breaking news is pretty simple: she’s mastered the art of being a movie star without letting it eat her alive. Whether she’s swearing about a football game on a red carpet or prepping for a massive sequel, she’s doing it on her own terms.