Gwyneth Paltrow Calls Longtime Friend Kate Hudson 'Like a Little Sister'

The actresses have been close for decades, with 'a wonderful intertwining of our families'.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Gwyneth Paltrow gave a glowing introduction for her longtime friend Kate Hudson at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, calling Hudson "like a little sister" to her. Paltrow recalled their families growing up together and the "full spectrum" of their friendship over the years, including celebrating each other's milestone birthdays. Hudson, who is nominated for an Oscar for her work in "Song Sung Blue", said Paltrow has been a "huge support system" and "the most loyal, beautiful friend" to her.

Why it matters

The close friendship between two of Hollywood's most prominent actresses highlights the enduring bonds that can form in the entertainment industry, even among those who have achieved great success. Their shared history and support for one another's personal and professional lives provides a heartwarming counterpoint to the frequent tabloid narratives of celebrity rivalries and drama.

The details

Paltrow, 53, introduced Hudson, 46, at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where Hudson was being honored with the Arlington Artist of the Year Award for her work in the film "Song Sung Blue." In her remarks, Paltrow recalled how the two women grew up in the same social circles, with their families being "friendly" when they were young. Paltrow said their friendship deepened in the early 2000s, and they've "had the full spectrum" of experiences together, including celebrating milestone birthdays. Paltrow also praised Hudson as "an amazing artist, an entrepreneur, obviously an incredible singer and a mother."

  • Paltrow gave the introduction for Hudson at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 13, 2026.
  • Hudson is nominated for an Oscar for her work in the film "Song Sung Blue", which was released on December 25.

The players

Gwyneth Paltrow

A 53-year-old actress and entrepreneur who has been close friends with Kate Hudson for decades.

Kate Hudson

A 46-year-old actress who is nominated for an Oscar for her work in the film "Song Sung Blue".

Blythe Danner

Gwyneth Paltrow's mother, who was friendly with Kate Hudson's parents when the two actresses were young.

Bruce Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow's father, who was friendly with Kate Hudson's parents when the two actresses were young.

Goldie Hawn

Kate Hudson's mother, who was friendly with Gwyneth Paltrow's parents when the two actresses were young.

Kurt Russell

Kate Hudson's father, who was friendly with Gwyneth Paltrow's parents when the two actresses were young.

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What they’re saying

“She's like a little sister to me. I'm much older than she is, but I remember seeing her when she was little.”

— Gwyneth Paltrow (People)

“We grew up in the same orbit, but it wasn't really until the early 2000s that we became what we are now.”

— Gwyneth Paltrow (People)

“We've been through breakups together and just this wonderful intertwining of our families. Our kids were in a band together when they were tiny and went to high school together.”

— Gwyneth Paltrow (People)

“She's Auntie Gwyneth. And she's always been there for me, like the most loyal, beautiful friend. And I look up to her.”

— Kate Hudson (People)

What’s next

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony, where Kate Hudson is nominated for an Oscar for her work in "Song Sung Blue", will take place on March 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The close friendship between Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson, which has spanned decades and included the intertwining of their families, serves as an inspiring example of the enduring bonds that can form in Hollywood, even among the most successful and famous actors.