The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony dazzled with major wins and stunning fashion displays. Yet for actress Hailee Steinfeld, the true highlight of the night arrived in a fleeting, personal exchange that meant more than any trophy or camera flash.
A Red Carpet Moment Meant for Home
Hailee Steinfeld attended the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 16, 2026, in Los Angeles as a presenter. Her film Sinners secured significant awards during the evening. However, the actor carried a special story off the red carpet, one she intended to share with just one person: her husband, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
The Adam Sandler Encounter
Steinfeld detailed this encounter in her Beau Society newsletter, published on the same day as the event. The moment occurred near the entrance to the Globes. According to her account, comedy icon Adam Sandler waved her down as she arrived and initiated the conversation himself.
"For context, Adam Sandler is a permanent fixture in our house," Steinfeld wrote. She explained that Sandler's films play frequently in their home, noting they had watched Just Go With It earlier that very week.
Sandler greeted her warmly, saying, "Hey, buddy. I loved Sinners. You’re doing amazing. And congrats to Josh!" Steinfeld clarified this brief exchange happened on the Golden Globes red carpet before the official ceremony began.
Why This Moment Mattered So Much
That simple line from Sandler resonated deeply with Steinfeld. She wrote that she "could not wait" to tell Allen about it. The reason was straightforward: Adam Sandler holds a special place in their household and their relationship.
The couple's fandom is well-documented. They even dressed as characters Bobby Boucher and Vicki Vallencourt from Sandler's film The Waterboy for Halloween in 2025. This personal connection transformed a casual red carpet comment into a cherished memory.
More Than Just One Moment
The night held additional significance for Steinfeld beyond the Sandler interaction. Her film Sinners won the Golden Globe for Best Score and also took home the award for Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
She also enjoyed a heartfelt reunion with fellow actress Jennifer Lawrence at the event. Steinfeld wrote that Lawrence immediately noticed her baby bump and reacted with pure joy. The two have maintained a friendship since Steinfeld was just 13 years old.
Josh Allen's Absence and Reaction
Josh Allen could not attend the Golden Globes due to his NFL commitments with the Buffalo Bills. However, he showed his support from afar. After the ceremony, Allen reshared a photo of Steinfeld in her custom pink Prada gown on his Instagram Story, adorning it with heart-eye emojis.
For Hailee Steinfeld, the 2026 Golden Globes offered professional accolades, industry praise, and rekindled old friendships. Yet the moment she valued most lasted mere seconds and culminated in a phone call home. That personal touch explains why this memory will stay with her long after the awards have been shelved.
