Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, and Jean Smart Take Bold Stand Against ICE at 2026 Golden Globes
Several Hollywood stars used the 2026 Golden Globes as a platform to speak out against ICE following the death of Renee Good, who was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on Wednesday.
Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, and Natasha Lyonne all wore white pins reading “Be good” on the red carpet to protest. The information comes from interviews conducted by Variety and Entertainment Tonight.
Sykes, 61, explained the meaning behind her pin in an interview with Variety. “Of course this is for the mother who was murdered by an ICE agent,” she said, referencing the shooting in Minnesota. “I know people are out marching and all today, and we need to speak up. We need to be out there and shut this rogue government down because it’s just awful what they’re doing to people.”
Wanda Sykes is wearing a "Be Good" pin at the #GoldenGlobes to honor Renee Good after she was killed by an ICE officer:
— Variety (@Variety) January 11, 2026
"We need to speak up and shut this rogue government down. It's awful what they are doing to people."
Variety Golden Globes Red Carpet Pre-Show presented by… pic.twitter.com/bBY52Gm8xx
The comedian paired the statement pin with a silver jacket, while Ruffalo wore his on a cream suit. Jean Smart, who won Best Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, spoke to Entertainment Tonight about her choice to protest on the red carpet. “Everything’s kind of overshadowed by everything that’s going on right now in our country,” she said.
“I feel like we’re kind of at a turning point in this country. I hope people can keep their heads because that’s actually, really the hardest thing, I think, is to keep our heads. It’s going to take a lot of courage and concerns, but I think that’s important.”
Smart also emphasized that her comments were made as a citizen, not just an actor. “I know that there are people who find it annoying when actors take opportunities to talk about social and political things, but I’m not here right now speaking as an actor. I’m here speaking as a citizen and a mom, and I hope people understand that,” she said.
During her acceptance speech, she reiterated the message, stating, “There’s just a lot that could be said tonight. I said my rant on the red carpet, so I won’t do it here. But, thank you. Let’s all do the right thing. I think everybody in their hearts knows what the right thing to do is, so let’s do the right thing.”
The #BeGood campaign is organized by Marmot, Move On, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Working Families Power, and leaders from across the entertainment industry. It also honors Keith Porter, who was killed by an off-duty ICE agent in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve.
The campaign encourages people “to be good to one another in the face of such horror – to be a good citizen, neighbor, friend, ally and human.” The ACLU supports the initiative, stating that ICE “is not making our communities safer” and instead “bringing chaos into our streets.”
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the agency, calling Good’s death self-defense against alleged domestic terrorism. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly disputed the claim.
“Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bulls***,” Frey said. “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed. Get the f *** k out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here.”
Ruffalo has a history of using awards shows to make statements. Last year at the Oscars, he wore an Artists4Ceasefire pin alongside Billie Eilish and Ava DuVernay to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The 2026 Golden Globes may have celebrated Hollywood achievements, but stars like Ruffalo, Sykes, and Smart reminded viewers that social justice issues are still very present. Their protest pins and public statements have sparked conversations about accountability, activism, and the role of celebrities in political discourse.
What do you think about stars using major award shows to speak out on social issues? Do you find it powerful or distracting? Share your thoughts in the comments.