All eyes were on Jacob Elordi as he arrived at the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday evening, cutting a sharp figure in a black Bottega Veneta tuxedo and Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses. The 28-year-old Australian actor was in the running for two awards: one for his portrayal of the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein and another for his performance in the TV series The Narrow Road To The Deep North.
From Teen Heartthrob to Award Contender
Jacob Elordi's presence at the prestigious awards marks a significant evolution for the actor, who first found fame as a teen rom-com lead in Netflix's The Kissing Booth franchise. His role as the Creature in Frankenstein represents a dramatic departure, showcasing his determination to avoid being typecast. Although he did not win a Golden Globe on the night, his dual nominations firmly cement his status as a serious talent on Hollywood's radar.
Elordi's career began humbly; growing up in Brisbane as the youngest of four, he caught the acting bug early. His first taste of the film industry was an uncredited role as a marine in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017. His breakthrough came the following year with The Kissing Booth, where he played Noah Flynn. The on-screen chemistry with co-star Joey King translated off-screen, and the pair dated from 2017 until late 2018.
However, Elordi has since been vocal about his desire to move beyond those early roles. In a 2023 interview, he called the films "ridiculous" and "not universal," comments that sparked backlash from fans who labelled him ungrateful. He later clarified to Variety, stating he was "incredibly grateful to everybody in it."
A String of Gritty Roles and High-Profile Romances
Eager to shed his clean-cut image, Elordi successfully pivoted to darker, more complex characters. His role as the toxic Nate Jacobs in HBO's Euphoria propelled him to global fame and critical acclaim, with many viewers shocked to discover his Australian origins due to his flawless American accent. This role was followed by a standout performance as Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell's psychological thriller Saltburn, a film that spawned viral memes and even a novelty 'bathwater' scented candle.
His career ascent has been paralleled by a much-publicised love life, earning him the label of Hollywood's most eligible bachelor. After his relationship with Euphoria co-star Zendaya (which was never officially confirmed), he dated model Kaia Gerber from September 2020 to November 2021. He then began an on-again, off-again relationship with influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli, which started in December 2021.
This week, the pair were spotted together again leaving a New York hotel, suggesting a rekindling after reportedly splitting in October. Their relationship has seen multiple breaks, including one in August 2022 when Elordi was said to be focused on his career.
Mastering Iconic Roles and Looking Ahead
Elordi's transformative abilities were further showcased in 2023 when he stepped into the blue suede shoes of Elvis Presley for Sofia Coppola's film Priscilla. Coppola praised his innate charisma, noting that "girls go crazy around him," which helped him embody the romantic icon. For the role, Elordi immersed himself in Elvis's voice, stating, "I think I’ve heard every recorded word that Elvis Presley has ever said."
His most recent project saw a complete physical transformation into the Creature for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein on Netflix. He took on the role with just a few weeks' preparation after Andrew Garfield dropped out. Elordi described the part as deeply personal, saying, "The creature on screen is the purest form of myself. He is more me than I am as a performer."
Looking forward, Jacob Elordi is set to star as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, alongside Margot Robbie. The film is scheduled for release on Valentine's Day. With his Golden Globes recognition, a slate of challenging roles, and a perennial spot in the celebrity gossip columns, Elordi's journey from teen idol to respected leading man is decisively complete.
