Naomi Watts just delivered a masterclass in being the ultimate proud mom. The 55-year-old actress looked every bit the glowing Hollywood star as she stepped onto the red carpet arm-in-arm with her 16-year-old child, Kai, at the New York City premiere of "The Friend"—but let's be honest, it was Kai who stole the spotlight.
While Naomi stunned in a white sculptural gown with elegant ruched detailing, Kai turned heads with a fashion-forward ensemble that oozed confidence. The teen rocked a blazer with polka dots, a ruched pink bustier top, and a dramatic tiered black satin skirt. With icy blonde hair worn sleek and straight, they accessorized with a dainty gold necklace and a chic chain-handle purse, serving up high-fashion energy well beyond their years.
© Getty ImagesThe mother-child duo looked effortlessly stylish as they posed for cameras, sharing a rare but incredibly special public appearance together. And this red carpet moment comes at an exciting time for Kai, who is making a name in the fashion world.
Kai's Major Fashion Week Debut
Just weeks before the premiere, Kai made their runway debut during Paris Fashion Week, walking for none other than Valentino. And if you thought Naomi's red carpet pride was adorable, wait until you hear about her reaction to the big runway moment.
© Getty ImagesThe "King Kong" actress took to Instagram to document the occasion, sharing a video of herself curled up in bed watching the Valentino show live. As Kai strutted down the runway in a snakeskin knit mini dress with a feathered neckline, lace stockings, rose-embellished sandals, and blue-lens Havana sunglasses, Naomi could be heard gasping and repeating, "Oh my god!" with pure joy.
Kai also shared behind-the-scenes snaps from the show, including a glimpse of them in the makeup chair and a candid shot from backstage. Their Instagram caption? "Omggg, my heart is so full," which was met with an outpouring of support—including a flood of heart emojis from Naomi herself.
A Close-Knit Family
Naomi shares Kai and 17-year-old son Sasha with her ex-partner, Liev Schreiber. Despite splitting in 2016 after 11 years together, Naomi and Liev have kept things amicable, co-parenting their kids with ease. Liev, now married to former Miss South Dakota Taylor Neisen, remains a constant in Kai and Sasha's lives.
Meanwhile, Naomi has found lasting happiness with actor Billy Crudup. The couple made it official with a courthouse wedding in New York in June 2023, and a year later, they celebrated with a romantic ceremony in Mexico, surrounded by loved ones.
Naomi's Best Role Yet: Mom
Though she's had an impressive career spanning decades, Naomi has always been vocal about how much she cherishes being a mom. Whether she's cheering from the front row of a Valentino show or walking the red carpet side by side with Kai, Naomi Watts is Kai's biggest fan, and she's not afraid to show it.
