Rose Byrne Secures Golden Globe Victory for A24 Drama Ahead of HBO Max Debut

Australian actress Rose Byrne has officially reached a new career milestone by securing the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. This prestigious honor was awarded for her standout performance in the A24 dark comedy-drama titled If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. The victory took place during the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards, which convened on January 11, 2026, at the storied Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Although Byrne has been a frequent presence in the awards circuit, having previously garnered two nominations for her role in the legal thriller Damages, this win represents her first time taking home the trophy from this specific competition.

The film, which was both written and directed by the visionary Mary Bronstein, delves into the life of Linda, a professional therapist whose personal stability begins to fracture under the weight of mounting family crises. Byrne’s nuanced depiction of a mother struggling to keep her world together has been met with widespread acclaim from the global film community. Notably, she also received the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin International Film Festival for this role. The movie, which boasts a talented ensemble including Conan O'Brien and Christian Slater, originally made waves during its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025.

At the heart of the story is Linda’s grueling daily routine as she manages her daughter’s rare pediatric feeding disorder, a condition that requires the use of a gastrostomy tube for nocturnal feedings. The emotional and physical toll is exacerbated by the absence of her husband, Charles, a ship captain who is away on an eight-week assignment at sea. The family’s situation reaches a breaking point when the ceiling of their Montauk apartment collapses, forcing them to relocate to a local motel. Film critics have been particularly impressed by Bronstein’s raw portrayal of maternal exhaustion, often comparing Linda to Byrne’s previous characters while highlighting the increased creative depth and freedom allowed in this specific production.

While the film’s theatrical run under A24—which began on October 10, 2025—was modest, grossing just under $1.5 million and ranking as the studio's lowest-earning release of that year, its journey is far from over. Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced that If I Had Legs I'd Kick You is scheduled for a high-profile digital debut. The film will be available for exclusive streaming on HBO Max starting Friday, January 30, 2026. This strategic release date is perfectly timed to benefit from the surge of interest following Byrne’s Golden Globe win, as the film continues to climb in national streaming popularity and critical rankings.