Who is Rose Byrne’s partner Bobby Cannavale and the unusual reason behind his absence from Golden Globes

At the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2026, Australian film star Rose Byrne claimed a career milestone by winning Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. But while Byrne’s emotional and widely praised acceptance speech captured headlines, many were equally amused by the unexpected reason her longtime partner, actor Bobby Cannavale, was not in the audience.

Byrne, a Sydney-born performer with a long and respected film and television career, took the stage at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles to accept her first Golden Globe. She spoke with heartfelt gratitude about working on the indie film, which she described as a “tiny film” shot in a limited schedule and budget, and credited its director and creative team for bringing the project to life.

She won the award in a competitive category alongside nominees including Cynthia Erivo, Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, Amanda Seyfried and Chase Infiniti.


Byrne’s performance as Linda, a woman navigating chaos in her personal life with a blend of vulnerability and humor, has also been recognized across other awards circuits throughout the season, including the Critics Choice Awards and Spirit Awards.

Absent support: A reptile expo takes priority

In an unexpected twist that quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments, Byrne paid tribute to her partner, Bobby Cannavale, despite his absence. With tongue-in-cheek humor, she explained to the audience that he wasn’t able to attend the ceremony because he was at a reptile expo in New Jersey procuring a bearded dragon, a pet the couple’s two sons have reportedly been eager to welcome into their family.

“I want to thank my husband, Bobby Cannavale, who couldn’t be here because we’re getting a bearded dragon and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey,” Byrne said to laughter and applause. “So, thank you, baby.”

The anecdote was not only delivered with Byrne’s characteristic wit but had been foreshadowed days earlier during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she explained the quirky calendar clash and teased the familial quest for the dragon pet.

Byrne and Cannavale have been partners since 2012 and share two sons, Rocco (born 2016) and Rafael (born 2017). Despite Byrne referring to Cannavale as her “husband” in remarks and speeches, reports note that the couple has not publicly confirmed a legal marriage, though they have referred to each other in spousal terms in the past.

Cannavale himself is a decorated actor best known for acclaimed roles in series like Boardwalk Empire and films including entries in the Ant-Man franchise.

He first gained widespread recognition in television with his role as paramedic Bobby Caffey on the NBC drama Third Watch (1999–2005).

He is also known for comedic and genre-blending roles in films like Spy, Chef, I, Tonya, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. This range, from indie projects to major studio productions, has made him a sought-after supporting and leading actor.

Alongside his screen work, Cannavale has maintained a strong presence in theater. He has earned multiple Tony Award nominations for his performances in Broadway productions such as Mauritius and The Motherf**ker with the Hat.

Cannavale was previously married to writer Jenny Lumet, with whom he shares a son, actor Jake Cannavale.