Ali Wong, the acclaimed comedian and actress, graced the 2025 Golden Globe Awards red carpet solo, marking a notable absence of her partner, Bill Hader. This appearance sparked speculation about the status of their relationship, especially given Wong’s omission of Hader in her acceptance speech. The 42-year-old comedian secured the coveted award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television for her Netflix special, "Ali Wong: Single Lady." In her acceptance speech, Wong expressed gratitude towards her best friend, Mia, for her unwavering support but made no mention of Hader, further fueling the rumors surrounding their relationship. The award recognized Wong’s exceptional comedic talent and her ability to connect with audiences through her relatable and often provocative humor. Other nominees in the category included comedic heavyweights Jamie Foxx, Nikki Glaser, Seth Meyers, Adam Sandler, and Ramy Youssef, highlighting the competitive nature of the award and solidifying Wong’s position as a leading force in the comedy world.
This wasn’t Wong’s first encounter with Golden Globe glory. In 2024, she won the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television award for her portrayal of Amy Lau in the critically-acclaimed Netflix series, "Beef." Her performance alongside Steven Yeun was lauded for its raw intensity and exploration of the complexities of human emotion. The series itself garnered widespread acclaim for its unique narrative structure and exploration of themes such as anger, regret, and the search for connection in a chaotic world. Hader, a four-time Golden Globe nominee himself, had publicly supported Wong during her previous win. Images of the couple sharing a kiss and multiple hugs following her 2024 victory were widely circulated, contrasting sharply with her solo appearance and the absence of any public acknowledgment of Hader in 2025. This noticeable shift in their public appearances further intensified speculation about a potential change in their relationship status.
While accepting her first Golden Globe in 2024, Wong chose to acknowledge her ex-husband, Justin Hakuta, the father of her two daughters, Mari and Nikki, rather than Hader. Her heartfelt tribute to Hakuta emphasized his role in supporting her career as a working mother. "I really need to thank the father of my children and my best friend, Justin, for all of your love and support," she stated, underscoring the importance of his contribution to her success. This public display of gratitude towards her ex-husband, while dating Hader, provided a glimpse into the complexities of their relationship dynamics. Hader himself is a father of three daughters from his previous marriage to Maggie Carey, adding another layer to the interwoven personal lives of the two comedians.
Wong and Hader’s relationship timeline has been marked by periods of both connection and separation. Their initial connection reportedly formed in 2022 following Wong’s separation from Hakuta. However, a brief split later that year was followed by a reconciliation in April 2023, as confirmed by Us Weekly. This on-again, off-again nature of their relationship contributed to the public intrigue surrounding their status. Wong’s 2024 Golden Globe-nominated comedy special, "Ali Wong: Single Lady," shed light on the unconventional beginnings of their romance. In her characteristically candid and humorous style, Wong recounted Hader’s bold declaration of his long-held crush and his desire to pursue a relationship with her immediately following the news of her divorce.
Wong’s comedic retelling of Hader’s initial overture revealed a blend of grand romantic gestures and a hint of potential obsession. Hader’s confession of his long-held crush and his swift pursuit of Wong following her divorce, coupled with his sending flowers to multiple cities during her European tour, painted a picture of a man smitten. While Wong’s female friends found these gestures endearing, her male friends expressed concern, labeling Hader a potential "psychopath." Wong cleverly used this contrasting perspective to deliver a punchline about the perceived low bar for romantic gestures from men, satirizing the often cynical view of men’s displays of affection.
Wong’s stand-up routine offered a humorous yet insightful commentary on societal expectations and gender dynamics. Her joke about men’s acts of kindness being perceived as symptoms of mental illness highlighted the double standard often applied to men in the realm of romance. The anecdote, while played for laughs, also hinted at the underlying complexities and potential pitfalls of whirlwind romances. The contrasting reactions from her male and female friends served as a comedic representation of the differing perspectives on grand romantic gestures. Ultimately, Wong’s solo appearance at the 2025 Golden Globes and her silence regarding Hader in her acceptance speech left the public pondering the current state of their relationship. The contrast between her public acknowledgment of Hader in 2024 and her silence in 2025, combined with her candid revelations in her comedy special, contributed to the ongoing speculation surrounding the couple.
