Rose Byrne Steals the Show with Hilarious Golden Globes Speech

Rose Byrne had the crowd laughing at the 2026 Golden Globes after winning Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. The Australian star, who earned her first-ever Golden Globe, delivered a speech full of humor and unexpected shout-outs.

Byrne started by expressing her surprise at hearing her name. “Of course, I didn’t prepare anything,” she said, immediately setting a playful tone. She thanked the film’s writer and director, Mary Bronstein, and joked about the movie’s low-budget production. “We shot this maybe in 25 days for like, $8.50,” Byrne said, drawing laughs from the audience.

She also thanked her brother George for joining her at the ceremony, noting her parents had tuned in from Sydney after subscribing to Paramount+ to watch the Golden Globes.

Byrne then shared the reason her longtime partner Bobby Cannavale wasn’t at the show. “He couldn’t be here because he’s getting a bearded dragon. He went to a reptile expo in New Jersey. So thank you, baby,” she said, sending the crowd into laughter. Byrne has referred to Cannavale as her husband, though the couple has said they are not legally married. The pair have been together since 2012 and have two sons, born in 2016 and 2017.

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

Byrne’s win was against a strong group of nominees, including 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 took the award for The Substance.

Nikki Glaser hosted the 2026 Golden Globes from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, with the ceremony broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+ with Showtime. Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, oversaw the event.

Byrne’s speech stood out not just for its humor but for the warmth she showed toward everyone involved in the movie. Her ability to mix self-deprecating jokes with heartfelt thanks made her win feel even more personal and memorable.

Rose Byrne’s speech perfectly captured why audiences love her: she’s funny, relatable, and unafraid to be herself on a big stage. Her Golden Globes moment will likely be remembered as one of the funniest and most charming speeches of the year. What do you think about her win and her speech? Share your thoughts in the comments.