Michelle Williams Makes Emotional Return to the Spotlight at SAG Awards 2026
Michelle Williams made a public appearance at the SAG’s 2026 Actor Awards alongside her husband Thomas Kail. This marked her first appearance since the passing of her Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek. Williams, who is nominated for an award for her role in FX’s Dying for Sex, attended the event at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on March 1.
The actress had been out of the public eye since the news of Van Der Beek’s death at the age of 48. Following his passing, a statement was shared on the actor’s Instagram page, expressing gratitude for the support and asking for privacy during their time of grief. Williams had previously shown support for Van Der Beek when he announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024.
Despite the challenges, Williams organized a Dawson’s Creek reunion in 2025 to raise funds for F Cancer. The event was meant to show solidarity with Van Der Beek, who was unable to attend due to illness. In a video message, Van Der Beek expressed his gratitude to Williams and the rest of the cast for their support and the fans for their unwavering dedication.
Williams’ appearance at the SAG Awards was a poignant moment, as she stepped back into the spotlight after a period of mourning. Her presence at the event was a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft. The support she has shown for her former co-star and the Dawson’s Creek cast reflects the strong bond they share, both on and off-screen.