Emma Watson took a painful tumble on Friday evening as she left the GQ Men of the Year Party in Los Angeles.
The 36-year-old Harry Potter star had skipped the red carpet earlier in the evening before joining a glamorous guest list that included Cara Delevingne and Rumer Willis at the annual celebration, held at the Chateau Marmont.
Watson looked elegant in a vintage patterned mini dress from the Valentino x Christi Belcourt 2016 Resort Collection. The design now sells for around £2,750 ($3,500) on the secondary market.
However, her evening ended awkwardly when she appeared to lose her balance on uneven ground. Her towering black-and-white striped Jacquemus heels, priced at £750, may not have made the situation any easier.
Moments after a spectator called Watson their ‘favourite actress ever’, she stumbled and fell, narrowly avoiding bringing down an autograph hunter beside her.
People nearby rushed to assist as Watson quickly got back on her feet. She looked shaken briefly, then apologised and regained her composure with a smile.
As she caught her breath, the actress was surrounded by fans asking for selfies. Watson obligingly smiled for them before heading swiftly towards her waiting car with DJ Tucker Halpern.
Watson attended the party as a special guest, having previously been named GQ’s Woman of the Year in 2013.
This year’s event recognised Celine Creative Director Michael Rider as Designer of the Year and Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve as Director of the Year.
Emma Watson took a painful fall on Friday evening after losing her footing on uneven ground while leaving the GQ Men of the Year Party at Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont
Her evening ended awkwardly after she lost her balance, with her towering black-and-white striped £750 Jacquemus heels seemingly adding to the challenge
The evening was hosted by GQ Global Editorial Director Adam Baidawi, alongside Chris Rock, Andrew Garfield and Matt Damon.
YouTube star Benito Skinner presented the red carpet coverage for GQ’s Instagram livestream.
The appearance may have evoked fond memories for Watson, who received the female equivalent of the honour 13 years ago.
At the time, the magazine highlighted her transition beyond child stardom through character-driven films including My Week With Marilyn and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.
She was also preparing for the release of Darren Aronofsky’s Noah and filming Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Beauty And The Beast.
Watson said she was honoured to receive the award, while admitting that her friends had playfully teased her about the accolade.
Watson attended Friday’s event alone, despite confirming earlier this year that she is in a relationship with billionaire entrepreneur Gonzalo Hevia Bailleres.
She was believed to have been dating Kieran Brown last year, but has since found a new romance with the Mexican businessman. The pair have been seen sharing a passionate kiss at Mexico City airport.
Bailleres’ family owned a multibillion-dollar mining company. His grandfather, Alberto Hevia Baillères, who died in 2022, was among the wealthiest people ever to live in Mexico, with an estimated fortune of $8.6 billion.
A source told the Daily Mail of Watson and Bailleres’ relationship: ‘Widely regarded as one of Mexico’s most eligible bachelors, Gonzalo now appears to be deeply smitten and reportedly taking his relationship with Emma seriously – having already introduced her to his parents.
’Without a doubt, Gonzalo and Emma are shaping up to be one of 2026’s most unexpected power couples.’
As a spectator called Emma Watson their ‘favourite actress ever’, she fell while wearing a vintage Valentino x Christi Belcourt 2016 Resort Collection dress
Those nearby hurried to help as Watson sprang back to her feet, appearing shaken briefly before apologising and composing herself
After catching her breath, Watson was approached by fans seeking selfies. She smiled for them before making her way quickly to her car
The actress left with Tucker Halpern, the American DJ, music producer and singer best known as one half of Grammy-nominated electronic pop duo Sofi Tukker
Had Watson’s new billionaire entrepreneur boyfriend Gonzalo Hevia Bailleres attended the GQ event, he might have helped her keep her balance
Watson was thought to have been dating Kieran Brown last year, but now appears to be romantically involved with Mexican businessman Bailleres, after the pair were seen kissing at Mexico City airport
Perhaps Bailleres could have helped Watson stay upright had he been at the party, much as actress Sofia Vergara appeared to rely on her rumoured love interest Douglas Chabbott.
Vergara, 54, was first linked to businessman Chabbott, 39, last year, although she has not confirmed whether their relationship is romantic.
Whatever their status, Vergara seemed grateful to have Chabbott beside her as he helped steady her while she made her way out of the party in towering heels.
Although she appeared slightly unsteady, Vergara looked stunning in a bronze sequined co-ord that highlighted her hourglass figure and featured a plunging neckline.
Chabbott opted for a more relaxed look, pairing jeans with a blue blazer.
Monica Barbaro was also seen leaving the venue with her boyfriend, Andrew Garfield.
Barbaro looked striking in a plunging gown featuring a black bodice and white skirt as she departed hand in hand with her partner.
American singer Tinashe attracted attention as she left, with fans hurrying over for photographs, while Halle Bailey paused to sign autographs.
Rumer Willis wrapped herself in a coat as she guided a friend through the busy exit.
Patrick Schwarzenegger, meanwhile, appeared unfazed by the cold in a black T-shirt that showcased his muscular arms.
Travis Scott, Matt Damon and Jason Bateman were also among those spotted leaving the soirée.
Sofia Vergara had someone to steady her as she appeared unsteady while leaving the party alongside rumoured love interest Douglas Chabbott
Monica Barbaro left the event with boyfriend Andrew Garfield, wearing a striking plunging gown with a black bodice and white skirt
Tinashe drew a crowd as she left, with fans rushing over to ask for photographs
Halle Bailey paused graciously to sign autographs as she left the party
Rumer Willis wrapped up in a coat while leading a friend through the crowded exit
Patrick Schwarzenegger seemed unfazed by the cold in a black T-shirt that showed off his muscular arms
Sarah Jane Nader chose a relaxed ensemble for the event, teaming a grey jacket with jeans
Travis Scott and Jason Bateman were among the stars seen departing the soirée
Matt Damon appeared to be in high spirits as he left the event
Watson’s appearance came after her father warned the parents of the new Harry, Ron and Hermione about the effect fame can have on children as filming begins on HBO’s Harry Potter television series.
The new leading trio was announced after months of speculation. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will portray Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout will take on the role of Ron Weasley.
Watson played Hermione for a decade across the Harry Potter film series. Her father, Chris, has now explained how he worked to ensure she remained ‘grounded’ during her rise to fame.
He told Times Radio: ‘As a parent, you have to be scared… This can be a very difficult thing for a parent and child to handle, or not.
‘It certainly helped that I don’t actually watch movies, it’s not a big thing in the house, and so it was easier for us to keep her feet on the ground.’
He added: ‘Normal life continued as far as possible: her homework would go back to school on motorbikes, admittedly, but she had to do her homework and check in.’
The television series is scheduled to premiere on December 25, but has faced controversy over creator JK Rowling’s gender-critical views.
Ms Rowling, whose books provide the basis for the HBO series, has denied that her views are transphobic, saying she respects ‘every trans person’s rights to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them’.