It’s highly likely Kevin Costner will be hoping for a calmer 2024 than his 2023 turned out to be.
At 68, the acting legend is no stranger to the press, nor to stories and speculation about his doings and deeds circulating online.
Yet even by the standards of a verified Hollywood A-lister, last year turned out to be quite the rollercoaster ride for Costner.
Much was said about his decision to leave hit-show Yellowstone, but any and all controversy on that front was surely drowned out by the news of his separation from longtime partner Christine Baumgartner.
The actor was said to have been shocked by the news that his wife was filing for divorce, initiating a tumultuous period wherein the couple faced off against one another in court.
Costner and Baumgartner were married for 18 years before the latter filed for divorce on May 1, 2023 citing “irreconcilable differences.” Costner was reportedly stunned by her decision to do so.
Fast forward to the end of 2023, however, and it appeared as though Costner was making moves to put his former marriage firmly in the rearview mirror. According to reports, the Yellowstone star has entered a relationship with singer Jewel – the two were recently snapped together on Richard Branson’s Necker Island at a tennis fundraiser for the Inspiring Children Foundation.
It can be assumed that Costner would prefer to fly somewhat under the radar in 2024, but it should come as no surprise that he became a talking point after presenting an award at the Golden Globes last weekend.
Costner teamed up with America Ferrera to present the award for Best Female Actor in a Television Series: Musical or Comedy (the winner of which was Ayo Edebiri from The Bear).
And it seems as though Costner and Ferrara riffing off of one another struck a positive cord with the public. Indeed, there was a fair amount of praise online for Costner referencing Ferrara’s monologue from Barbie.
“You know, you have a scene that I really love,” Costner said on stage. “I think a lot of people really love that scene. You know, ‘It’s literally impossible to be a woman.’ You know that, ‘You’re so beautiful. You’re so smart and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough.’ That was pretty good.”
America replied: “Did you, Kevin Costner, memorize my monologue about womanhood from Barbie?”
Though Kevin admitted he hadn’t memorized the whole thing, he did go on (while struggling to hold back laughter): “But it’s an important message, and it always serves to remind me what’s possible in films. It just reminds me that when we take our time, when we manage to get it right, when film is working at its very best, it can be about moments you never ever forget.”
As mentioned, the presenting duos’ back-and-forth was well received by audiences around the world.
“I was laughing so hard with Kevin Costner trying to stay serious…also, aging well! Yay America,” one person wrote.
“He worked as much on that segment as he did on his english accent in Robin Hood,” another quipped.
“Lmao he’s trying so hard to stay serious 😂,” a third added.
