Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow shared a moment at the 2026 AFI Awards held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles on January 9, 2026. The reunion of the Oscar-winning actor, 51, and the Goop founder, 53, captured the attention of many, especially considering Paltrow's past remarks about turning down DiCaprio when they were younger.
The annual AFI Awards luncheon recognizes the top projects in film and television. The gathering of A-listers is considered a significant stop during awards season, often foreshadowing potential nominees for Best Picture at the Oscars. The presence of DiCaprio and Paltrow added to the ceremony's prestige, transforming the event into a meeting of Hollywood legends.
Paltrow, known for her minimalist style, wore an elegant Proenza Schouler outfit paired with Tacori jewelry. DiCaprio, who tends to keep a lower profile when not actively promoting a film, wore a suit jacket and a white shirt.
Paltrow had previously mentioned on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in May 2023 that DiCaprio had made advances toward her when they were younger, but she had turned him down. She alluded to DiCaprio's flirtatious nature even at a young age. A photo from February 1994 at the National Board of Review Motion Picture Awards places Paltrow at approximately 21 years old and DiCaprio at 19.
Paltrow is currently married to Brad Falchuk, the co-creator of American Horror Story, since 2018. She also has two children, Apple, 21, and Moses, 18, with her ex-husband Chris Martin. She told Drew Barrymore in 2020 that her relationship with Chris is better now and that they are committed to putting their children first. DiCaprio is currently dating Italian model Vittoria Ceretti, 27, and they recently spent New Year's in St. Barths with Tom Brady. Ceretti told Vogue France in April 2025 that dating DiCaprio is “something you learn” and that if the love is real, there is no reason to be alarmed.
Other celebrities who attended the AFI Awards luncheon included Timothee Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone, and Ariana Grande. The AFI Awards continue to be a key event in the lead-up to the Oscars, bringing together established stars and emerging talents alike.
