Sean Penn's Viral Behavior during the 2026 Golden Globes Ceremony Sparks Heated Discussion

A viral moment from a major awards show has the internet talking. It centers on Sean Penn, a bold move at his table, and what cameras caught him doing.

One moment caught on camera at the 2026 Golden Globes is dominating online conversations. It had nothing to do with an awkward speech or a fashion fail.

It showed 65-year-old actor Sean Penn in what appeared to be an unscripted act during the ceremony, one that caught guests off guard and left viewers divided.

A widely shared shot from the Golden Globes shows Penn smoking at his table, surrounded by floral centerpieces, champagne, and fellow celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson. The moment happened mid-ceremony and quickly spread across social media.

On Twitter, reactions came fast. One person wrote, "Sean Penn doesn't care."

Instagram users were more direct. One commented, "Ew." Another typed, "That's addiction and not funny. Not being able to respectfully refrain while in a public non smoking environment is privilege [sic]. Get a vape dude and go into the bathroom…."

Over on Facebook, some defended him, writing, "He just being himself . That's rare in Hollywood [sic]." Journalists also weighed in. Ben Fritz, a Wall Street Journal reporter, shared, "This can't be legal."

Meanwhile, Rebecca Ford of Vanity Fair provided more detail. She said most guests were stepping outside to smoke, but one director told her he saw Penn light up indoors. Ford also recalled a past interview with Penn, where he smoked throughout, though that time, they were seated outdoors.