Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn, 65, and his 30-year-old girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, were photographed holding hands during a rare public outing on Wednesday, drawing fresh attention to their widely discussed age-gap relationship.

 The photos, taken in Santa Monica, California, come on the heels of Penn’s appearance at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards earlier this month. 

The couple, who have kept much of their relationship out of the public eye, were spotted enjoying a casual shopping trip.

 Penn was seen in a button-up shirt, blazer and trousers, while Nicov opted for an all-black outfit completed with sunglasses and a purse. 

Their hand-holding marked one of the few public displays of affection since they were first linked romantically in late 2024. 

From Golden Globes to Sidewalk Strolls

Penn recently attended the Golden Globe Awards, where he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another. 

Though he did not win, cameras captured the veteran actor at the event — casually smoking at his table alongside fellow stars. 

Unlike the glitzy awards ceremony, the Santa Monica outing was low-key. Paparazzi photos show the pair walking and chatting, with Nicov smiling as they strolled together — a refreshing contrast to the usual guarded demeanors many celebrities adopt in public. 

A Relationship That Turned Heads

Penn and Nicov made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Marrakech International Film Festival in November 2024, nearly two years after they were first linked. 

Their relationship has since attracted media attention due to their 34-year age difference, fueling online discussion and public curiosity. 

Nicov, a Moldovan model and actress, has appeared in several projects and maintains a career in both modeling and film. 

Penn, a two-time Oscar winner known for films like Mystic River and Milk, has had a long history of high-profile relationships and marriages, including with Madonna and Robin Wright. 

Public Reaction and the Spotlight

As with many celebrity relationships featuring significant age gaps, reactions have varied widely online, with some fans supportive and others critical.

  Yet for now, the couple’s stroll in the California sunshine stands as a reminder that their relationship continues to flourish — at least in moments captured beyond the red carpet.