While accepting a major award, Sarah Jessica Parker looked back on her 25 years playing Carrie Bradshaw and the iconic series that changed television.
Sarah Jessica Parker recently took a moment to honor her most famous role. The actress received the 2026 Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Eve gala, a special event for the Golden Globes. During her speech, she reflected on her long journey as Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City.
She spoke warmly about the experience, calling it “the most glorious ensemble of women and actors”. Parker thanked the show’s creators and shared that even decades later, the memories feel fresh because she still walks the same New York City streets where they filmed.
A Career-Defining Role and a Lasting Cultural Impact
Carrie Bradshaw became one of television’s most recognizable characters. As a columnist exploring love and life in New York, she was messy, romantic, and deeply relatable to a generation. Her unique fashion sense—from the famous tutu to her beloved Manolo Blahnik shoes—turned her into a style icon.
The show itself was groundbreaking. It followed four friends—Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha—as they navigated careers, relationships, and friendship with honesty and humor. It tackled subjects that were often considered taboo for television at the time, creating a cultural conversation that continues today.
“I met Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes, and I spent 25 years with the most glorious ensemble of women and actors,” Parker said in her award acceptance speech.
The series, which first aired in 1998, led to two feature films and a recent sequel series, And Just Like That…, proving the lasting appeal of these characters and their stories.
A Nostalgic Reunion with Co-Stars
The award ceremony turned into a mini Sex and the City reunion. Parker was joined on the red carpet by her husband, Matthew Broderick, and their son, James Wilkie Broderick. She also happily posed with former co-stars Kristin Davis (Charlotte) and actors David Eigenberg (Steve) and Evan Handler (Harry).
When asked about the possibility of more stories from the SATC universe, Parker was open to the idea but placed the decision firmly in the hands of the show’s creator, Michael Patrick King. She explained that while she hears many creative ideas, what matters most is what excites King, and he is not currently focused on a new project.
Parker has previously described the choice to end And Just Like That… as a “difficult decision” made out of respect for the quality of the experience, suggesting a desire to leave the story on a high note. However, she has also hinted that a return is never completely off the table, once stating, “I could just be on hiatus”.
Carrie Bradshaw’s Complicated Legacy in Modern Viewing
While Parker celebrates the role, the character of Carrie Bradshaw herself is viewed differently by audiences today. A modern re-watch of the original series has led many fans to re-evaluate Carrie’s actions.
Once seen as a glamorous and aspirational figure, Carrie is now often criticized by viewers for being self-absorbed, a unreliable friend, and financially irresponsible. Storylines where she cheats on her boyfriend Aidan with the married Mr. Big, or pressures her friend Charlotte for money, are highlighted as examples of her flawed character.
The show itself has also been scrutinized for storylines and jokes that have not aged well, particularly regarding their treatment of LGBTQ+ characters, race, and body image. This critical reassessment shows how cultural standards have evolved since the show first aired.
Despite this criticism, the character’s enduring impact is undeniable. Carrie Bradshaw sparked discussions about female independence, sexuality, and urban life that were unprecedented on television. The debate around her character flaws only underscores how real and multidimensional she felt to audiences.
Also Read:
Looking to the Future Beyond Carrie Bradshaw
With And Just Like That… concluded for now, Parker is focusing on other projects. She provided updates on two much-asked-about sequels during the Golden Eve event.
She confirmed that work is actively progressing on ‘Hocus Pocus 3’, stating, “They’re working on it,” and expressing her loyalty to co-star Bette Midler. She also addressed efforts to create a sequel to the 2005 film ‘The Family Stone’, acknowledging it as a “bittersweet quandary” following the passing of their co-star Diane Keaton.
Parker continues to engage with fans of her iconic role. Last year, she shared a fun piece of memorabilia on social media: the turquoise heels that were famously chewed by Aidan’s dog in the original series, which she had kept in an archive all these years.
The legacy of Sex and the City and Carrie Bradshaw remains strong. The original series and its continuation are available for streaming on HBO Max, allowing new generations to discover the show and form their own opinions about Carrie, her friends, and their adventures in New York City.
Also Read: Ember and Ice Audio Series Release Info: A Romantasy Duet for Heated Rivalry Fans
