Actress Aubrey Plaza was notably absent from the 2025 Golden Globes on Sunday evening, where she had been scheduled to present, following the tragic death of her husband Jeff Baena.
The Parks and Recreation star was announced as one of more than 40 presenters for the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles just days before Baena’s death on Friday.
Baena’s was found dead on Friday
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The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Baena’s death was ruled a suicide by hanging.
Baena was a respected filmmaker and screenwriter known for directing several independent films including Life After Beth (2014), The Little Hours (2017) and Horse Girl (2020).
He is survived by his parents Barbara and Scott Baena, stepparents Roger and Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena, stepsister Bianca Gabay and stepbrother Jed Fluxman.
Plaza and Baena had been together since 2010, with the couple quietly marrying in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.
Plaza and Baena married in 2021 after a decade of dating
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“The marriage was just like a joke that honestly went too far,” Plaza revealed during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.
The couple collaborated on several films together, including Life After Beth and The Little Hours, with Plaza starring in Baena’s directorial works.
“It’s so great, it’s so complicated,” Plaza told Barrymore about working with her husband. “It’s, like, extreme highs and extreme complications.”
Plaza had shared only one public image with Baena on Instagram, announcing their marriage by referring to him as her “darling husband” whilst praising his filmmaking.
During the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night, director Brady Corbet paid tribute to Baena whilst accepting his award for The Brutalist.
At the end of his acceptance speech, after acknowledging other losses, Corbet said: “Tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”
Corbet paid tribute to Baena in his acceptance speech
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The emotional tribute came during a ceremony hosted by Nikki Glaser at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Corbet had earlier in his speech mentioned “three people that I lost while making this picture,” including his grandfather, uncle, and late Euphoria producer Kevin Turen, who died from heart issues in November 2023.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
