Emma Watson took a painful tumble on Friday night while leaving the GQ Men of the Year party in Los Angeles.
The 36-year-old Harry Potter star, who had skipped the red carpet earlier in the evening, attended the lavish annual celebration at the Chateau Marmont alongside a host of famous guests, including Cara Delevingne and Rumer Willis.
However, her evening ended awkwardly when she lost her footing on uneven ground. Her towering black-and-white striped Jacquemus heels, priced at £750, appeared to make the moment even more difficult.
Dressed in a black shift dress decorated with floral embellishments, Ms Watson fell heavily and narrowly avoided bringing down an autograph hunter nearby.
Onlookers rushed to assist as Ms Watson quickly got back on her feet. She appeared shaken briefly before composing herself.
As she paused to catch her breath, the actress was surrounded by fans asking for selfies. She smiled for them before making her way swiftly towards her waiting car.
Ms Watson was a special guest at the event, having previously been named GQ’s Woman of the Year in 2013.
This year’s ceremony recognised Celine creative director Michael Rider as Designer of the Year, while Dune director Denis Villeneuve received the Director of the Year award.
Emma Watson suffered a painful fall on Friday night after losing her footing on uneven ground while leaving the GQ Men of the Year party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles
Despite the awkward end to her evening, Ms Watson looked glamorous in a patterned black shift dress and black-and-white striped heels
The event was hosted by GQ Global Editorial Director Adam Baidawi, who was joined by Chris Rock, Andrew Garfield and Matt Damon.
YouTube star Benito Skinner presented the red-carpet coverage for GQ’s Instagram livestream.
Returning to the event may have brought back fond memories for Ms Watson, who received the female equivalent of the honour 13 years ago.
At the time, the magazine praised her for moving beyond her child-star image through roles in character-led 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.
Ms Watson said she was honoured to receive the award, while admitting that her friends had teased her about the accolade.
For Friday night’s party, Ms Watson arrived alone, despite confirming earlier this year that she is in a relationship with billionaire entrepreneur Gonzalo Hevia Baillères.
She was thought to have been dating Kieran Brown last year, but has since found a new romance with the Mexican businessman. The pair were previously seen passionately kissing at Mexico City airport.
Mr Baillères’ family owned a multibillion-dollar mining company. His grandfather, Alberto Hevia Baillères, who died in 2022, was among the richest people ever to live in Mexico, with an estimated net worth of $8.6 billion.
A source told Our News Outlet of Ms Watson and Mr Baillères’ 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.’
Had Ms Watson’s new billionaire entrepreneur boyfriend, Gonzalo Hevia Baillères, attended the GQ Men of the Year awards, he might have been able to help keep her upright
She was thought to have been dating Kieran Brown last year, but has since found a new romance with the Mexican businessman, with the pair spotted kissing passionately at Mexico City airport
Perhaps Mr Baillères could have helped Ms Watson keep her balance had he been at the awards, much as actress Sofia Vergara appeared to rely on her rumoured love interest Douglas Chabbott.
The 54-year-old actress was first linked to businessman Mr Chabbott, 39, last year, although she has not confirmed whether their relationship is romantic.
Whatever their status, Ms Vergara appeared grateful to have Mr Chabbott beside her as he helped steady her while she made her way out of the party in towering heels.
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Although she looked slightly unsteady, Ms Vergara remained glamorous in a bronze sequined co-ordinated outfit that highlighted her hourglass figure and featured a plunging neckline.
Meanwhile, Mr Chabbott opted for a more relaxed look, wearing jeans with a blue blazer.
Monica Barbaro and her boyfriend Andrew Garfield were also spotted leaving the celebration.
Ms Barbaro looked striking in a plunging gown featuring a black bodice and white skirt as she departed the venue hand in hand with her partner.
American singer Tinashe attracted attention as she left, with fans hurrying over to request photographs. Halle Bailey, meanwhile, took time to stop and sign autographs.
Rumer Willis wrapped herself in a coat as she guided a friend through the busy exit route.
Patrick Schwarzenegger appeared unfazed by the chilly weather, wearing a black T-shirt that showed off his muscular arms.
Travis Scott, Matt Damon and Jason Bateman were also among the stars seen leaving the soirée.
Sofia Vergara appeared to have someone to steady her as she looked unbalanced while leaving the awards alongside her rumoured love interest, Douglas Chabbott
Monica Barbaro and her boyfriend Andrew Garfield were also seen leaving the event, with Ms Barbaro wearing a 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 graciously stopped to sign autographs as she left the party
Rumer Willis wrapped up in a coat as she led a friend through the crowded exit
Patrick Schwarzenegger appeared unbothered by the cold in a black T-shirt that displayed his muscular arms
Sarah Jane Nader chose a relaxed look for the event, pairing a grey jacket with jeans
Travis Scott and Jason Bateman were among the other stars seen leaving the soirée
Matt Damon appeared cheerful as he left the event
Ms Watson’s appearance came after her father cautioned the parents of the new Harry, Ron and Hermione about the effects fame can have on children as filming begins on HBO’s Harry Potter television series.
The new leading trio were 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.
Ms Watson played Hermione for a decade in the Harry Potter film series. Her father, Chris, has now explained how he worked to ensure she remained grounded throughout her childhood in the spotlight.
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 debut on December 25, although it has faced controversy over creator JK Rowling’s gender-critical views.
Ms Rowling, who wrote the books on which the new HBO series is based, 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’.
