Macaulay Culkin made a triumphant return to the Golden Globes on January 11, 2026, stepping onto the Beverly Hilton stage for the first time in 35 years to present the award for Best Screenplay, Motion Picture.
The 45-year-old actor, accompanied by wife Brenda Song, received a thunderous ovation as he entered during the ceremony hosted by Nikki Glaser.
“Wow, thanks guys,” Culkin said, visibly moved. “It’s been 35 years since I’ve been to the Globes. Thanks for welcoming me back, that’s really nice of you guys.”
The “Home Alone” star brought his trademark humor to the occasion, joking with the audience about his year-round presence beyond the holiday season.
“I know it’s weird seeing me outside the holiday season,” he quipped, “but shockingly I do exist all year round, I promise you.”
Culkin explained that presenting the screenplay award felt natural given his lifelong relationship with scripts.
“It makes a lot of sense for me to be presenting this award,” he told the audience. “I’ve been reading screenplays basically since I learned to read.”
The award for Best Screenplay, Motion Picture ultimately went to Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another”.
Career Reflections
The former child actor has been refreshingly candid about his approach to acting in recent interviews.
“Technically, I’m retired right now,” Culkin revealed on the SmartLess podcast in December 2025. “I retire and then, if I find something I like, I unretire, do that, and I immediately retire afterwards.”
This unconventional approach has become his trademark philosophy.
“Every gig is my last,” he joked, explaining his selective work pattern.
Culkin’s career began at the tender age of 4 years old, making his journey through Hollywood both unique and intensive.
“I quit for nearly a decade,” he shared about stepping away from acting. “Just went to high school, fell in love, got drunk for the first time, things like that.”
Life Beyond the Spotlight
After starring in “Richie Rich” in 1994, Culkin found himself in an unusual position for a teenager.
“I was in a position where I could just put my thumb up my butt and play video games all day long,” he candidly described his post-film lifestyle.
This extended break proved transformative for the actor’s perspective on his career.
“This was a calling that found me,” Culkin reflected. “I didn’t find it. I wanted to explore that in a different way, on my terms.”
The actor shares two sons with wife Brenda Song: Dakota, 4, and Carson, 3.
His return to the Golden Globes stage represents not just a nostalgic moment for fans, but a testament to his evolved relationship with the entertainment industry.
Host Highlights
Nikki Glaser helmed hosting duties for her second consecutive year, bringing her signature comedic style to the prestigious ceremony.
Ahead of the show, Glaser spoke with Access Hollywood about the challenges of crafting jokes for celebrity targets.
She shared insights into which celebrities prove most difficult to roast and explained why her monologue wouldn’t consist entirely of harsh jabs.
The comedian’s approach balanced humor with respect for the industry’s biggest stars gathered at the Beverly Hilton.
Award Night Atmosphere
The January 11, 2026 ceremony brought together Hollywood’s elite for a night celebrating cinematic achievements.
Culkin’s appearance generated significant buzz on social media, with fans expressing excitement over seeing the beloved actor back on such a prominent stage.
His natural charisma and self-deprecating humor charmed both the live audience and viewers at home.
The Golden Globes continue to serve as a key awards ceremony in the entertainment industry calendar, honoring excellence in film and television.
Looking Forward
While Culkin maintains his selective approach to projects, his Golden Globes appearance suggests he’s open to occasional returns to the spotlight.
His philosophy of “unretiring” for specific opportunities allows him to maintain creative control while still participating in meaningful industry moments.
The actor’s 35-year gap between Golden Globes appearances stands as one of the longest in the ceremony’s history.
His warm reception indicates the enduring affection audiences hold for his iconic roles, particularly Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone”.
The ceremony concluded with Paul Thomas Anderson accepting his screenplay award, capping off a memorable evening that perfectly balanced nostalgia with contemporary cinema celebration.
