SXSW 2026 may have felt a little different this year, but the celebrity spotlight hasn’t waned at all. Although the festival was shortened slightly, the number of film premieres was still high and there was no shortage of drama – including a suggestion This didn’t make our list. Here are the moments that made it.
Justin Theroux
Justin Theroux is no stranger to Austin and spent some time in the area while working on the series The leftovers. Seasons two and three of the HBO series were primarily filmed at the Lockhart and ATX film studios and took place in Central Texas. While filming the series, Theroux discovered Austin Pets Alive and he did it supported the organization several times over the years. He even made a very public declaration of love Ellen.
He adopted his dog Kuma in 2018 after she was found in the rubble following Hurricane Harvey. When we chatted with him on the red carpet for Seekers of Infinite Love, we couldn’t resist asking about his furry companion and his love for APA!
Lisa Kudrow
At SXSW for a screening of The comeback In Season 3, Lisa Kudrow took the time to talk to everyone on the red carpet. When we asked her what she thought would be a ’90s comeback, the actress replied, “Jokes.” In the clip below, she explains further: “You were allowed to say things and it was just a joke, so it was okay.”
John Goodman
Although we didn’t experience it ourselves, we have to give a shout out to one of our festive friends, John Goodman Chili fingers The actor served fans burgers from a Blake’s Junior truck. Accordingly Austin Monthly, He donned an apron and hat to serve guests chili and a side of selfies.
Debby Ryan
Before chatting about the movie The Sun Never Sets, Debby Ryan made sure to emphasize her love for Austin. “I got married in Austin,” she said. “I love Austin, I wasn’t sure if you knew.” She then detailed how and why she and her husband chose Central Texas as their wedding location.
Christina Aguilera
While we were busy covering red carpets, thousands streamed into Auditorium Shores for the Sip and Sounds Festival, where icon Christina Aguilera took the stage Friday night. The singing phenom wowed audiences with a pristine, dynamic range, prompting some to dub her the “Millennial Mariah Carey.” If you missed the gig like we did, you can Stream the entire set here!
And here’s some more good news: During her What A Girl Wants performance, she announced new music that fans can look forward to!
Billie Lourd
If you don’t know, I’m a huge fan of old Hollywood. I can talk for hours about the golden age of Hollywood, the love triangles, the scandals, etc. And one epic scandal that has always piqued my interest is that of Eddie Fisher and his many wives (e.g. Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor and Connie Stevens). I’m also a huge Star Wars fan and have been following the life and career of Billie Lourd for many years. In case you don’t know, she is the daughter of Carrie Fisher and the granddaughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.
The Cinema Center will host the premiere party for cast and filmmakers Love language. Photo by Lu Chau @Photoagonist
I was lucky enough to chat with Billie at the afterparty Love languageheld on Cinema center. Her mother’s books are some of my favorites and I shared that I love the audio version because Carrie recorded the dialogue herself. Billie told me that she is releasing a book and that she is also doing the audio version. Apparently the memoir will focus on her experiences as a “Nepo Baby” and take a poignant, funny look at her life as Hollywood royalty.
Millicent Simmonds
You might recognize Millicent Simmonds from this A quiet place Series. Now she stars in “Pretty Lethal” alongside Iris Apatow, Lana Candor, Avantika Vandanapu and Maddie Ziegler. The red carpet for this film was one of the most hectic, but Millie, with the assistance of her interpreter, took the time to interact and speak with everyone.
Watch What Crappers
The conversation I had with the guys behind the successful podcast Watch What Crappers at the iHeard Podcast Awards was one of my favorites of the whole week. We talked about it Southern charmwhich reality show we would all like to be on and which reality show needs an Austin edition. Your choice is Real Housewives of Austin, By the way. Watch the clip below to see why they think this franchise would work in the ATX.
Peaky Blinders
I wasn’t watching Peaky Blinders But the Netflix pop-up on Congress Avenue was a standout event. Not only did they transform a bar on Congress Avenue into the post-World War I pub The Garrison, they also offered free drinks, hats and color photos. And for those who really want to embrace the moment, free themed haircuts and tattoos were also on offer. But that’s not all. star Barry Keoghan even came along to surprise some lucky fans!
The Birkin
In the middle of the festival, we stopped by the new EZ Pawn Luxe store at 1900 East 7th Street. They have so many of my favorite luxury brands for resale like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more. I even got to hold a BIRKIN – just like the one Rob gave Maura when she left The traitors. I definitely recommend checking out this luxury focused place. Before you go, Click here to get 10% discount!
Want more SXSW? You can see All our highlights here. If you’re looking for more celebrity moments and interviews, be sure to follow Spill the ATX on Instagram, TikTok and/or YouTube.
