Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes and Jean Smart Turn the Golden Globes Into an Anti‑ICE Protest
At the 2026 Golden Globes, several stars used their moment on the red carpet and stage to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the death of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE agent in Minnesota earlier this week.
Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, and Natasha Lyonne all wore white pins with the words “Be good” to show their support for the victims of ICE violence and to speak out against the agency’s actions.
The pins are part of the #BeGood campaign, which is organized by groups including Marmot, Move On, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and Working Families Power. The initiative honors people like Keith Porter, who was killed by an off-duty ICE agent in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve, and encourages people to “be good to one another in the face of such horror.” The ACLU has also endorsed the campaign, stating that ICE “is not making our communities safer” and is instead “bringing chaos into our streets.”
Sykes, who wore her pin on a silver jacket, spoke to Variety about her choice. “Of course this is for the mother who was murdered by an ICE agent,” she said. “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
Jean Smart, who wore her pin on a white gown, also discussed the significance of taking a stand. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight before winning her award for Best Female Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy, Smart said, “Everything’s kind of overshadowed by everything that’s going on right now in our country. 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.”
She added that she was speaking as a citizen and a mother, not as an actor, “I feel like if you feel strongly about something, and you have the chance to share your feelings or encourage people or cheer somebody on, you should do it.”
During her acceptance speech, Smart told the audience, “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.”
Ruffalo, who lost the Golden Globe to Stellan Skarsgård, has a history of using awards shows to make statements. Last year, he and other celebrities, including Billie Eilish and Ava DuVernay, wore pins supporting a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating that compassion and humanitarian aid must prevail.
The deaths of Renee Good and Keith Porter have sparked a national conversation about ICE’s role and accountability. While the Department of Homeland Security has defended the actions of its agents, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly criticized the agency, calling it a reckless use of power.
The 2026 Golden Globes showed that many Hollywood figures are willing to use their platforms to take a stand on political and social issues. The #BeGood campaign is a reminder to speak out and act with humanity in the face of injustice.
In my opinion, it’s powerful to see stars like Ruffalo, Sykes, and Smart use such a high-profile event to raise awareness about real-world issues. It shows that celebrity influence can go beyond entertainment and into meaningful advocacy.
What do you think about celebrities speaking out at award shows? Share your thoughts in the comments.
