Running into an ex at work is awkward for most people. For celebrities, it often happens on the biggest nights of their careers. Awards season frequently places former couples in the same rooms—sometimes just seats apart—turning red carpets and auditoriums into unexpected reunions. Some exchanges are polite. Others are icy. A few turn into viral moments that fans talk about for years. From shared applause to carefully avoided eye contact, these encounters have become part of awards show history.According to Us Weekly, award ceremonies such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys continue to bring famous exes face-to-face. These moments often unfold quietly but are closely watched by fans, photographers, and insiders in the room.
Celebrity exes crossing paths at awards shows
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt were both nominated at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, fully aware they would be in the same audience. Aniston cheered when Pitt won for ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ An onlooker said she “stood up and clapped for Brad’s win” and “sat down before some of the other people who were sitting near her.” Pitt later joked onstage, “I wanted to bring my mom, but I couldn’t because any woman I stand next to, they say I’m dating.”At the 2025 Oscars, Emma Stone crossed paths with ex Kieran Culkin. An eyewitness said Culkin and his wife, Jazz Charton, briefly chatted with Stone, who produced ‘A Real Pain,’ the film that earned Culkin his first Oscar win. The former couple dated from 2010 to 2011.Not all reunions were warm. At the 2023 Oscars, Vanessa Hudgens walked past ex Austin Butler outside the Vanity Fair party without acknowledging him, according to video obtained by Us Weekly. The pair dated from 2011 to 2020.
Awkward reunions and quiet support
Taylor Swift showed support for ex-boyfriend Harry Styles at both the 2021 and 2023 Grammy Awards. She stood and clapped as he accepted awards and was seen dancing during his performance of ‘As It Was.’Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart crossed paths at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. According to E! News, Smart approached Lopez during a commercial break and offered her Skittles. The two later attended the same afterparty.Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder reunited at the 2016 Golden Globes. Dobrev later said of Somerhalder and his wife, Nikki Reed, “They are happy and so am I.”These moments highlight that while awards shows are designed to celebrate achievement, they often come with emotional histories that can’t always be avoided.
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