Rose Byrne Has the Golden Globes Laughing with Her Hilarious Acceptance Speech
Rose Byrne stole the spotlight at the 2026 Golden Globes with a speech full of humor and charm. The Australian actress won Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, earning her first-ever Golden Globe.
Byrne, who seemed genuinely surprised when her name was announced, told the audience, “Of course, I didn’t prepare anything.” She thanked the film’s writer and director, Mary Bronstein, and joked about the movie’s tiny budget: “We shot this maybe in 25 days for like, $8.50.”
She gave a shout-out to her brother George, who accompanied her to the ceremony, and her parents, who she said “bought Paramount+ so they could watch the Golden Globes from Sydney.”
Byrne also explained why longtime partner Bobby Cannavale was not with her. “He couldn’t be here because he’s getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey. So thank you, baby,” she said, drawing laughter from the audience. Byrne referred to Cannavale as her husband during the speech, though the couple is not legally married. They have been together since 2012 and share two sons.
Rose Byrne wins for Best Actress in Musical or Comedy for her role in #IfIHadLegsIdKickYou at the #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/0hjG8d8208
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 12, 2026
Other nominees in Byrne’s category included Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Amanda Seyfried for The Testament of Ann Lee, and Emma Stone for Bugonia. Last year, Demi Moore won the award for The Substance.
The Golden Globes ceremony, hosted by Nikki Glaser, was held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The event was broadcast live on CBS and streaming platforms Paramount+ with Showtime. Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge, which also owns The Hollywood Reporter.
Byrne’s playful, down-to-earth acceptance speech stood out in a night full of glitz and glamour. She combined gratitude with humor, making the audience laugh while still showing appreciation for everyone involved in the film.
Rose Byrne’s speech was one of the most memorable moments of the night. Her ability to mix comedy and heartfelt thanks made it both entertaining and genuine. What do you think about her speech? Share your thoughts in the comments.