The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony transformed into an unexpected political battleground Sunday night, as Hollywood celebrities used the prestigious awards show to make statements about immigration enforcement while comedian Bill Maher openly criticized their activism on the red carpet.
The HBO host, known for his contrarian takes on political issues, dismissed the symbolic gestures made by fellow entertainers who wore “Be Good” pins in reference to Renee Good, an anti-ICE protester whose death in Minneapolis has sparked national controversy.
“We’re just here for show business today,” Maher told USA Today reporters outside the Beverly Hilton. The 69-year-old comedian expressed his view that while Good’s death was tragic and preventable, wearing commemorative pins at an awards ceremony was unnecessary political theater.
Celebrity Activism Takes Center Stage
Multiple high-profile attendees, including actor Mark Ruffalo and comedian Wanda Sykes, prominently displayed the memorial pins throughout the evening. The accessories referenced Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who died after driving her SUV toward an ICE agent during a confrontation in Minneapolis.
The tension between Maher and his Hollywood peers became particularly evident when Sykes directly addressed him during her presentation of the Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television award. From the stage, she delivered pointed remarks: “You give us so much. But I would love a little less. Just try less.”
Camera footage captured Maher’s stoic reaction to the public criticism, as he remained largely expressionless in the audience. The award ultimately went to Ricky Gervais, another comedian who has faced scrutiny for his willingness to challenge progressive orthodoxies on sensitive topics.
The Minneapolis Incident That Divided Hollywood
The controversy stems from a December incident in Minneapolis that has become a flashpoint in debates over immigration enforcement under President Trump’s second term. Federal authorities maintain that ICE agent Jonathan Ross, a 10-year veteran of the agency, acted in self-defense when he fatally shot Good three times.
According to official reports, Good and her wife, Rebecca, had spent the day confronting ICE personnel during enforcement operations. Video evidence released after the shooting showed Rebecca encouraging her wife to “drive, baby, drive” moments before Good attempted to flee the scene in her vehicle, nearly striking the federal agent.
Federal officials have classified the incident as domestic terrorism, pointing to Good’s membership in “ICE Watch,” a group dedicated to disrupting immigration enforcement activities. Ross himself had previously been injured in the line of duty, having been dragged by a vehicle for approximately 100 yards during an attempted arrest of an undocumented immigrant.
Political Responses Reflect National Divide
The shooting has energized critics of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey leading calls for increased oversight of ICE operations. Both officials have used the incident to argue that federal agents are operating with excessive force and insufficient accountability.
The political dimensions of Good’s death have extended far beyond Minnesota, becoming a rallying point for activists opposed to expanded immigration enforcement. The “Be Good” pins worn at the Golden Globes represent the latest effort to maintain public attention on the case and its broader implications for immigration policy.
However, federal law enforcement officials reject characterizations of the shooting as excessive force, emphasizing that agents face genuine threats during enforcement operations and must be prepared to defend themselves when confronted with potentially deadly situations.
Entertainment Industry’s Political Role Under Scrutiny
The Golden Globes controversy highlights ongoing tensions about the entertainment industry’s role in political discourse. Maher’s public dismissal of his colleagues’ activism reflects a broader debate about whether awards ceremonies should serve as platforms for political messaging.
The comedian’s stance aligns with his reputation for challenging both conservative and progressive positions, often drawing criticism from across the political spectrum. His willingness to question liberal orthodoxies has made him a polarizing figure within Hollywood circles that generally lean left on political issues.
Similarly, Gervais’s award win underscored the continuing success of entertainers who resist pressure to conform to specific political viewpoints. Both comedians have built careers partly on their willingness to address controversial topics that others in their industry often avoid.
Broader Implications for Immigration Debate
The Golden Globes incident reflects the intensifying national conversation about immigration enforcement as the Trump administration expands ICE operations nationwide. Good’s death has become symbolic for activists who view federal immigration policies as inherently violent and discriminatory.
The case has also highlighted the personal risks faced by federal agents tasked with implementing immigration law. Ross’s previous injury and the circumstances of the December shooting illustrate the dangerous situations that can arise during enforcement activities.
As the investigation into Good’s death continues, both supporters and critics of current immigration policies are likely to use the case to advance their respective arguments about the appropriate scope and methods of federal enforcement.
Hollywood’s Continuing Political Evolution
The clash at the Golden Globes demonstrates how political divisions have penetrated even traditionally apolitical entertainment events. The willingness of celebrities to use their platforms for activism, combined with the backlash from figures like Maher, reflects broader cultural tensions about the role of public figures in political discourse.
As award season continues, industry observers will be watching to see whether similar political statements emerge at other ceremonies. The success or failure of these efforts to influence public opinion on immigration and other issues may shape how entertainers approach political activism in the future.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of celebrity political engagement, particularly when it generates internal conflicts within the entertainment community itself. The public nature of the Maher-Sykes exchange suggests that Hollywood’s political consensus may be less solid than often assumed.