Why Did Golden Globes 2026 Winner Michelle Williams Skip The Ceremony

Michelle Williams won the Golden Globe for her leading role in the TV series Dying for Sex, taking home the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television, despite strong competition in the category. Williams was not present at the ceremony, so presenters Melissa McCarthy and Kathryn Hahn accepted the award on her behalf.

In the series, she portrays Molly Kochan, a real-life woman whose world is upended by a cancer diagnosis, leading to a divorce and a deeply personal journey of self-discovery.

While her absence sparked conversation, it came as no surprise. Williams is currently busy juggling multiple projects, with at least three major productions in development.

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Behind Michelle Williams’ Absence From Golden Globes

Michelle Williams is set to appear in Evel Knievel on Tour alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Adrien Brody. She is also working on Fever, a biopic about legendary jazz singer Peggy Lee, also starring Alessandro Nivola. On top of her film work, Williams is performing live on stage in New York and playing the titular character in the play Anna Christie.

When Williams was announced as the winner at the Golden Globes, category presenter Melissa McCarthy explained that “Michelle Williams could not be here this evening. We accept this award on her behalf.” At the same time, Kathryn Hahn jokingly added, “I’m Michelle Williams.”

Dying for Sex is based on a true story and tells the life of Molly Kochan, played by Michelle Williams. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Molly decides to explore her sexuality. The series is adapted from the Wondery podcast. When Williams first listened to the podcast, she felt emotionally shaken by the story and wanted to make it.

Speaking with NPR, the actress explained, “I went back to listen to it for a second time to try and figure out why it had this power over me. And then there I was on the floor again, with no sense of what had really just happened. I immediately, for reasons that I couldn’t understand and were beyond me, knew that I wanted to make this. And went to my husband and said, ‘Well, you need to take a look at this because this is gonna be in our life now.’ It’s possible to be both scared and brave at the same time. And that’s what I think moved me so much about Molly’s journey and this best friendship.”

Michelle Williams won the Golden Globes 2026 over other talented nominees in her category, including Claire Danes for The Beast in Me, Rashida Jones for Black Mirror, Amanda Seyfried for Long Bright River, Sarah Snook for All Her Fault and Robin Wright for The Girlfriend.