Award shows are known for glamour, drama, and unforgettable moments on the red carpet. But some of the most heartwarming surprises happen when celebrities skip the usual plus-one and bring someone truly special, like a parent, sibling, or child.
These sweet choices remind fans that fame and family can go hand in hand. Get ready to meet 15 stars who made headlines not for their outfits, but for the incredible people they chose to bring along.
1. Angelina Jolie and Knox Jolie-Pitt / Zahara Marley Jolie
Few Hollywood moments feel as genuine as a parent and child sharing the red carpet spotlight. Angelina Jolie has made this a tradition, bringing her son Knox to the 2024 Governors Awards and her daughter Zahara to the 2025 Golden Globes.
Zahara even wore a stunning gown that once belonged to Angelina herself. Watching a mother pass down not just a dress, but a moment of magic, is something fans absolutely adored.
2. Nicole Kidman and Sunday Rose Urban
Nicole Kidman is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, but in January 2025, she let someone else steal a bit of the spotlight. She brought her daughter Sunday Rose Urban to a Golden Globes pre-party, and the two looked absolutely radiant together.
Sunday, who is Keith Urban’s daughter too, is growing up fast, and this outing gave fans a rare peek at their close bond. Sometimes the best accessory is your kid.
3. Alicia Keys and Genesis Ali Dean
Alicia Keys brought her son Genesis Ali Dean as her Grammy date in 2025, and honestly, it was the cutest plus-one of the night. Genesis, whom she shares with husband Swizz Beatz, looked thrilled to be by his mom’s side at music’s biggest night.
Keys has always been vocal about the importance of family, so this choice felt perfectly on-brand. Watching a Grammy-winning legend walk in with her kid?
That never gets old.
4. Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Blue Ivy Carter
Blue Ivy Carter has been making Grammy history since before she could tie her shoes, so it felt right that she was right by Beyonce’s side at the 2025 Grammys. When Beyonce won Album of the Year, Blue Ivy was there to witness the whole thing up close.
The family brought serious star power to the event. Blue Ivy, who is also a Grammy winner herself, clearly inherited her parents’ love for music and the spotlight.
5. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Simone Johnson
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson may be one of the biggest action stars on the planet, but at the January 2025 Golden Globes, he showed off his softer side. He brought his daughter Simone Johnson as his date, and the two made quite the stylish pair.
Simone is carving out her own career in professional wrestling, so she is no stranger to the spotlight herself. Still, sharing a red carpet moment with her dad looked like something truly special for both of them.
6. Timothee Chalamet and Nicole Flender
When Timothee Chalamet walked the red carpet at the 2026 Actor Awards with his mom Nicole Flender instead of his famous girlfriend Kylie Jenner, people could not stop talking about it. He had actually done the same thing back at the 2018 Oscars, proving this is just who he is.
Chalamet has never tried to hide his close relationship with his mother. Choosing her over Hollywood’s usual glitz says a lot about his character off-screen.
7. Michael B. Jordan and Donna Jordan
Michael B. Jordan has made it a habit of honoring his biggest fan on Hollywood’s grandest stages.
He brought his mother Donna Jordan to the 2019 Academy Awards, and then again to the 2026 Actor Awards, showing that some traditions are worth repeating.
Jordan has spoken openly about how much his parents’ support shaped his career. Bringing his mom to the Oscars was not just sweet, it was his way of saying thank you in the most public way possible.
8. Keanu Reeves and Patricia Taylor
Keanu Reeves is famously private, so when he showed up to the 2020 Academy Awards with his mother Patricia Taylor on his arm, fans melted. The two looked genuinely happy to be there together, sharing a rare public moment.
Patricia raised Keanu largely on her own through some tough years, making this red carpet appearance feel extra meaningful. For a man who rarely lets the world in, bringing his mom felt like a quiet but powerful statement of gratitude.
9. Chris Evans and Shanna Evans
Captain America himself, Chris Evans, skipped the Hollywood dating game at the Oscars in 2016 and 2017, choosing his sister Shanna as his plus-one instead. Before that, he brought his mom Lisa Capuano to the 2013 Academy Awards.
Evans has always been known for keeping family close, and these red carpet choices backed that up perfectly. Fans loved seeing a superhero swap the blockbuster glamour for something far more real: a night out with the people who knew him before the fame.
10. Bradley Cooper and Gloria Campano
Bradley Cooper and his mother Gloria Campano are practically a red carpet institution at this point. She has been his date to the 2019, 2022, and 2024 Academy Awards, plus the 2024 Golden Globes, making her one of Hollywood’s most recognized award show companions.
Cooper lost his father in 2011, and his closeness with his mom since then has been widely noted. Every time they walk in together, it feels less like a celebrity moment and more like a son saying, ‘You deserve this too.’
11. Ryan Gosling and Mandi Gosling
Long before Ryan Gosling was a household name, he was already showing up to big events with his older sister Mandi by his side. He brought her to the 2007 Academy Awards when he was nominated for Half Nelson, and it was a move that charmed everyone watching.
Hollywood often rewards the flashy, but Gosling quietly reminded people what truly matters. His sister has been part of his journey from the start, and that loyalty has never gone unnoticed by his fans.
12. Jared Leto and Constance Leto / Shannon Leto
Jared Leto did not just bring one special guest to the 2014 Academy Awards, he brought two. His mother Constance and his brother Shannon, the drummer for their band Thirty Seconds to Mars, both joined him on the red carpet the night he won Best Supporting Actor for Dallas Buyers Club.
Having your family witness your Oscar win in person is something most people can only dream about. Leto made sure the people who shaped him were right there for his biggest Hollywood moment.
13. Emma Stone and Spencer Stone
Emma Stone took home the Oscar for Best Actress at the 2017 Academy Awards for her role in La La Land, and her brother Spencer was right there on the red carpet to cheer her on. Bringing a sibling to your biggest career night is as genuine as it gets.
Stone has always seemed grounded despite her massive fame, and this choice reflected that perfectly. Spencer looked incredibly proud, and honestly, who could blame him for beaming all night long?
14. Florence Pugh and Deborah Mackin
Florence Pugh made her Oscars debut in 2020 after earning a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Little Women, and she chose her mom Deborah Mackin as her date instead of her then-boyfriend. For a first-ever Oscars appearance, that choice felt refreshingly real.
Pugh has a reputation for being outspoken and authentic, so it tracks that she would bring the woman who raised her to a milestone moment. Mom got the full Hollywood treatment, and the internet absolutely loved every second of it.
15. Brendan Fraser and Leland and Holden Fraser
Brendan Fraser’s comeback story had all of Hollywood rooting for him at the 2023 Oscars, where he was nominated for The Whale. He made the night even more emotional by bringing his sons Leland and Holden along to share the experience.
Fraser had been through some incredibly hard years before this triumphant return, and having his boys beside him on that red carpet felt like the perfect full-circle moment. It was not just an awards night, it was a family celebration of resilience.