Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the stars of the hit show Heated Rivalry, stole the spotlight at the 2026 Golden Globes. Even though their show was not up for any awards, their appearance was a major win for fans. The actors delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments with a funny and bold joke about their famously steamy TV scenes.
The two actors were presenters at the ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday, January 11, 2026. They presented the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television. Before announcing the winner, they played off their nervousness in a way that directly referenced their roles as rival hockey players in a secret romance.
A Presenting Moment That Broke the Internet
On stage, Connor Storrie pretended to be very nervous. “It’s a little nerve-racking here being at our very first Golden Globes,” he said. His co-star, Hudson Williams, tried to offer classic advice to calm him down.
“Just take a deep breath and picture everyone in the audience… you know,” Williams suggested.
Storrie had a quick and hilarious reply. “Yeah, I don’t really know if that works, considering everyone has seen us… you know”.
The joke was a clear nod to the many intimate and nude scenes featured in Heated Rivalry. Williams then asked if Storrie meant that everyone in the audience had watched their show.
Storrie clarified with the line that became an instant classic: “That’s a maybe. But their trainers have, and their moms have. Their daughters have. Hi moms! Hi daughters!”
The audience responded with loud cheers and applause. The cheeky shoutout instantly spread across social media, with fans celebrating the actors for owning their show’s content and connecting directly with its diverse fanbase.
Red Carpet Fashion and Prime Seating
Beyond their funny moment on stage, Williams and Storrie made a strong impression throughout the evening. On the red carpet, they showcased distinct but equally stylish looks.
Hudson Williams chose a striking black-and-white tuxedo by Giorgio Armani. His outfit included a white dinner jacket, a white silk shirt worn without a tie, and a formal cummerbund. He completed the look with Christian Louboutin shoes and Bulgari jewelry.
Connor Storrie opted for a sleek, all-black suit from Saint Laurent. He wore it with a thin black tie and accessorized with a Tiffany & Co. brooch and jewelry.
Inside the ceremony, they were given prime seats at a table with other celebrities like Paul Mescal, Charli XCX, and Keegan-Michael Key. Their table was notably next to the one where Leonardo DiCaprio was seated.
Recognition from the Host and Party Appearances
The popularity of Heated Rivalry was so significant that it earned a mention in host Nikki Glaser‘s opening monologue. Glaser welcomed the actors and made a joke about the show’s unique premise.
“I don’t want to get too serious, but stories like these don’t always get told,” Glaser said, calling the show “proof that American audiences are ready for more stories about… hockey.”
The actors were also in high demand at the weekend’s many parties. They attended the Vanity Fair and Amazon MGM Studios pre-Globes party at Bar Marmont, where they were constantly asked for selfies by other guests. They also caused a “commotion” with their late arrival at W Magazine‘s party at Chateau Marmont.
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The Rapid Rise of Heated Rivalry and Season 2
The Golden Globes appearance marks a meteoric rise for Williams and Storrie. Heated Rivalry, a Canadian production streaming on Crave and HBO Max, became a breakout hit shortly after its premiere in late 2025. The show is based on Rachel Reid‘s Game Changers series of queer hockey romance novels.
The story follows two professional hockey players, Shane Hollander (Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), who engage in a secret romantic relationship over ten years. Its success has been credited with bringing a new genre of storytelling to a wide audience.
A second season has already been confirmed. It will adapt the next book in Reid’s series, The Long Game, and continue to follow Shane and Ilya’s relationship. Show creator Jacob Tierney is currently writing the new season.
Despite its massive popularity and critical praise, the show is not eligible for Primetime Emmy Awards. This is because it is fully financed outside the United States, with HBO Max acting only as a distributor. HBO and Max content chairman Casey Bloys has stated they have no plans to interfere, trusting the creative team’s vision.
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