One photo from the 2026 Golden Globes was enough to ignite a storm online — and it had nothing to do with awards. When Elle Fanning stepped onto the red carpet with her longtime boyfriend Gus Wenner, the internet immediately decided it had opinions.
Fanning, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sentimental Value, arrived glowing in a silver floral evening gown that quickly landed on best-dressed lists. Wenner kept things classic in a black-and-white tuxedo. Together, they posed calmly for photographers. Online, however, the reaction was anything but calm.
Within minutes, screenshots of the couple began circulating across X and other platforms, accompanied by blunt commentary. One widely shared caption summed up the mood many were pushing: “She’s everything, and he’s just there.” Another repost went even further, suggesting she was “out of his league,” while others fixated on their height difference after Wenner appeared one step above her on the staircase.
The comments escalated quickly, mixing sarcasm, shade, and outright disbelief. Some users joked that the photo gave them “hope,” while others pleaded with Fanning to “do better,” punctuating their reactions with crying emojis. At the same time, a quieter group pushed back, reminding critics that relationships aren’t auditions — and that chemistry, respect, and shared life goals matter more than red-carpet optics.
So who is Gus Wenner, the man suddenly under internet scrutiny? Wenner isn’t an outsider to elite circles. He’s the son of Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner and served as CEO of Rolling Stone from 2022 until 2025, later stepping into the role of executive chairman. Long before dating Fanning, he was already embedded in the same cultural and social worlds she navigates.
The couple has reportedly been together since late 2023, and Fanning has never tried to keep the relationship hidden. After the Golden Globes, she shared photos from the night on Instagram and referred to Wenner as “the cutest date,” a quiet but clear response to the noise.
In a January 2026 interview, Fanning made her stance even clearer. She spoke openly about their future, explaining that they split their time between Los Angeles and New York and are considering settling in Manhattan. She also shared that she’s wanted children since she was young — a glimpse into priorities far removed from viral commentary.
While social media continues to debate appearances and optics, Fanning seems unfazed. The photo may have fueled endless opinions, but it also revealed something else: she’s not curating her personal life for strangers — she’s living it.
