Gwyneth Paltrow, 53, & Kate Hudson, 46, Steal the Spotlight in Head-Turning Pink
The mood was very romantic at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 13. The night quickly turned into a fashion moment when Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow arrived wearing soft pink looks that grabbed all the attention.
The evening focused on the Arlington Artist of the Year Award, a new prize launched in 2025 to celebrate talent at the famous Arlington Theatre. Hudson received the honor for her performance in the musical film Song Sung Blue. The role has already brought her nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Academy Awards. She became the second winner of the award after Timothée Chalamet received it the year before.
Gorgeous California girls! Gwyneth Paltrow & Kate Hudson stunned at the 2026 Santa Barbara Film Festival
— worldentertainment💯💙 (@Worldenter5) February 14, 2026
(📸: MEGA) pic.twitter.com/WMccz0tAgm
The festival also celebrated more than twenty years of Hudson’s career. A big part of the night was a look back at her work, especially her new film directed by Craig Brewer. In the movie she stars with Hugh Jackman as a couple who find love and a new purpose by performing as a tribute band inspired by Neil Diamond.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson were pretty in pink at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Arlington Artist of the Year Award honoring Kate Hudson. 💖 pic.twitter.com/FedslSh3Ht
— E! News (@enews) February 14, 2026
Paltrow came to support Hudson, and their friendship is long and personal. Years ago she threw Hudson a big birthday party and called her “my younger sister” in a post on Instagram. Their bond also grew because their kids went to the same school and both actresses talked about the emotional moment when their children left for college.
Their outfits were a big part of the buzz. Hudson wore a long dusty-pink dress covered in crystals that sparkled under the lights. The dress had thin straps and soft folds that reached the floor, and gold details on the chest and hips gave it an exotic touch. She left her hair down in loose waves, which matched the romantic vibe.
Paltrow stayed true to her clean and simple style but still kept the romantic theme. She wore a pale pink satin bandeau top with a mini skirt that had a small train, and a sheer top layered over it. Matching heels and a high ponytail completed the look.
Together, the two actresses created a strong Valentine-style fashion moment and showed clear support for each other on the red carpet.
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