If you were scrolling through social media earlier this week, you probably saw a flash of a plunging black velvet dress and a grin that hasn't changed since 1990. Julia Roberts is back. Honestly, she never really left, but the latest news on Julia Roberts following the 2026 Golden Globes has the internet buzzing for reasons that go way beyond just a red carpet outfit.
She didn't win her category. Jessie Buckley took home the trophy for Hamnet, leaving Roberts as a "highly distinguished nominee" for her role in After the Hunt. But if you watched the ceremony, you’d know Julia didn't exactly slink away into the background. In fact, she basically ran the room.
The Standing Ovation That Wasn't a Choice
When Julia walked onto the stage at the Beverly Hilton to present the award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, the room didn't just clap. They stood up. It was one of those rare, unscripted moments of Hollywood royalty worship.
Roberts, being exactly who she is, didn't just take the compliment. She leaned into it. She actually started gesturing for the people in the back to get on their feet, joking that she was going to be "impossible to live with for at least a week" because of the ego boost. She even called out Emma Stone from the stage. It was vintage Julia—assertive, a little bit cheeky, and completely in control of the space.
That Viral Sandwich Comment
Then things got weird. Or "teeny tiny," depending on who you ask.
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A video clip of Roberts meeting Teyana Taylor (who won big for One Battle After Another) went viral almost instantly. In the footage, Julia hugs a visibly emotional Taylor and then jokingly tells her she needs to "eat a sandwich."
Look, in the world of 2026 celebrity culture, that kind of comment usually triggers a massive "cancel" campaign within minutes. But the reaction has been surprisingly mixed. Taylor herself later told Entertainment Tonight that she was actually crying because meeting Roberts was like meeting a hero who "parted the sea" for her.
Some fans are calling it "classic Auntie Julia" energy. Others think the body-shaming undertones are outdated. It’s a messy, human moment that reminds us Julia Roberts doesn't exactly follow the modern PR script. She says what she thinks. Sometimes it lands; sometimes it’s a bit of a "yikes" moment.
After the Hunt: The "Box Office Bomb" That Critics Love
The latest news on Julia Roberts often circles back to her career choices, which have become increasingly "prestige-heavy." Her latest film, After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a perfect example of the current Julia Roberts paradox.
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- The Plot: She plays Alma, a Yale professor caught in a nightmare of sexual misconduct allegations involving a colleague (played by Andrew Garfield) and a student (Ayo Edebiri).
- The Performance: Critics are calling it her best work since Erin Brockovich.
- The Math: It was technically a box office flop, grossing only about $9.4 million against an $80 million budget.
Why does she keep making these? Because she can. She reportedly took home $20 million for the role. Even if the movie doesn't sell tickets at a Marvel level, her "star power" is the only reason these complex, adult dramas get financed in the first place. She’s transitioned from the Rom-Com Queen to the guardian of the mid-budget psychological thriller.
Marriage, Privacy, and Danny Moder
People always want to know if there's drama at home. There isn't.
Julia showed up to the Globes with her husband, cinematographer Danny Moder. They’ve been married for 23 years now, which is basically three centuries in Hollywood time. They did a rare "date night" photo op inside the venue, looking genuinely happy.
She’s been very vocal lately about her "dream come true" being her life in Northern California, not her life on set. When Andrew Garfield asked her during a recent press junket what brings her constant joy, she didn't say "acting." She just said, "Danny Moder."
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What’s Next: Ocean’s 14 and Beyond
If you’re waiting for the next big thing, the script for Ocean’s 14 is officially in her hands. She told Variety on the red carpet that she was "kind of surprised" by how good the story is.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt are reportedly on board, and they’re looking to start shooting in late 2026. This is the "safe" Julia—the one who returns to the franchises we love. But she’s also got Panic Carefully coming up, another thriller with Sam Esmail (the guy who did Leave the World Behind).
How to Keep Up With Julia
If you're trying to follow her career or mimic that "effortless" style, here's the deal:
- Watch the smaller films: If you only wait for the blockbusters, you'll miss her best acting. After the Hunt is worth the watch just for the tension between her and Ayo Edebiri.
- Look for the "Red Om" tag: That’s her production company. If she’s producing it, she’s usually taking a risk on the material.
- Ignore the retirement rumors: Every two years, someone says she’s quitting to become a full-time knitter in Malibu. She isn't. She’s just picky.
Julia Roberts in 2026 is exactly who she was in 1990, just with more leverage and a lot less patience for Hollywood's rules. She’s still the biggest star in the room, even when she’s losing the award.
Next Steps for Fans: You can currently stream After the Hunt on Amazon MGM platforms to see the performance that earned her that Golden Globe nomination. If you're more into the fashion side of things, keep an eye on Giorgio Armani’s Privé collections—Julia has been styling herself almost exclusively in their custom suits and gowns lately.