The Internet has been melting down after Jeff Goldblum was randomly asked about the gay sex drama Heated Rivalry on the red carpet of the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards.
In an awkward interview, Goldblum, 73, was asked if he had ever seen the HBO Max show or ‘been to the cottage’ by E!’s Keltie Knight – a question that clearly confused the actor, who has no involvement in the show.
The Canadian series, which is based on a viral BookTok hit, follows two rival hockey players who fall into a secret, steamy romance that spans across several years, and ‘the cottage’ is a reference to the residence the couple travel to during the season finale.
‘You have been a part of the most talked about project in the last two years. It’s all I’ve talked about,’ Knight began, referencing Goldblum’s movie Wicked. ‘But now something has come to take your spot, and it’s Heated Rivalry. Have you heard of Heated Rivalry, do you know what it is, have you been to the cottage?’
‘I want to say yes very badly, I can’t in all good conscious, I chopped down the cherry tree, I’ve never told a lie. No, no, Heated Rivalry? I’m an idiot, you know,’ Goldblum said.
‘It’s a love story about two hockey players, two men, they fall in love,’ Knight explained.
The Internet has been left in hysterics after Jeff Goldblum was randomly asked about the gay sex drama Heated Rivalry during an awkward red carpet interview during the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards
The hit HBO Max series follows two competing hockey players who embark on a romantic relationship
‘Wait a minute, stop right there. That’s the end of it. Of course, I haven’t seen it, I want to see it, I’ve heard great, great, things,’ he said.
‘You come back to me once you watch it!’ Knight replied.
Soon after the interview aired, netizens took to X to express their confusion over the out-of-the-blue question.
‘OMG ASKING JEFF GOLDBLUM ABOUT HEATED RIVALRY BEFORE ASKING ABOUT WICKED,’ one person tweeted.
‘They’re asking Jeff Goldblum if he’s seen heated rivalry/been to the cottage (sobbing emojis),’ another posted.
‘I genuinely don’t know why tf else you would ask jeff goldblum if he’s watched hr like are we ok,’ one wrote.
‘why are they asking JEFF GOLDBLUM about hr im crying,’ another posted.
‘Jeff Goldblum was so lost,’ another wrote.
Perplexing moment aside, Goldblum was able to offer his wife Emilie Livingston a special shout-out during the interview as she celebrated her 43rd birthday.
Speaking with E!, he said: ‘Happy birthday Emilie Goldblum.’
Netizens were melting down over the out-of-nowhere question
Goldblum and his wife Emilie Livingston were visions of style as they arrived to the ceremony
The actor was also celebrating another very special occasion – his wife’s birthday
Jeff looked fantastic in a white and black suit featuring a smart bow
The couple arrived to the 31st annual Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Sunday – and were naturally dressed to impress.
Goldblum, who is presenting at the show and whose latest film Wicked: For Good is up for seven awards today, was outfitted in a crisp black-and-white suit with dapper bow.
Hair smartly slicked back across his head and with a par of sunglasses completing the look, the actor was a vision of classic Hollywood style.
Complimenting him on the red carpet was his wife, 43, who was clad in a chic black dress with a dramatic V-neck designed to achieve an off-the-shoulder look.
She added an edgy touch with leather gloves, coordinating slingbacks, and a bold red lip adding a pop of color.
The birthday girl complimented her husband’s fashion sense with her chic black dress
The actor’s interview with E! had fans in hysterics
Emilie looked stunning in a chic black dress with a dramatic V-neck designed to achieve an off-the-shoulder look
Goldblum has reprised his role as The Wizard in Wicked: For Good
Goldblum’s new film, Wicked: For Good, which sees him reprise his role of The Wizard, has been nominated for eight awards at the Critics’ Choice Awards – Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Casting and Ensemble, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Hair and Makeup, and Best Song.
Hollywood is kicking off awards season in high-glam fashion as the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards takes over Santa Monica this Sunday, January 4.
Chelsea Handler returns as host for the fourth consecutive year as the star-studded ceremony lights up the Barker Hangar – a glitzy night that regularly signals who’s about to dominate awards season.
Long considered one of the most accurate crystal balls in Hollywood, the Critics Choice Awards have a strong track record of forecasting Oscar glory.
That predictive power was on full display last season, when Anora used its Critics Choice Best Picture win to reassert itself after being shut out at the Golden Globe and SAG Awards, momentum it ultimately carried all the way to the Academy Awards.
Three acting winners, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña, also repeated their Critics Choice victories at the Oscars.
With the Golden Globe Awards not airing until January 11 this year, the Critics Choice Awards step into the spotlight as the first major televised ceremony of 2026, giving studios and contenders a crucial early boost.