Jodie Foster and her wife, Alexandra Hedison, delighted fans and onlookers with a rare public appearance yesterday as they stepped out for a casual lunch in Los Angeles. The couple, who have been married since 2014 and are known for keeping their relationship out of the spotlight, were spotted enjoying a quiet meal in the city’s West Hollywood neighborhood, offering a glimpse into their enduring partnership and shared love for simple, intimate moments.
The sighting comes amidst a busy year for Foster, who has been celebrated for her recent achievements in the entertainment industry. Earlier this year, the 62-year-old actress won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series for her role as Detective Elizabeth Danvers in HBO’s True Detective: Night Country, a project that also earned her an Emmy in 2024. Foster’s performance, which tackled complex themes like the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. Meanwhile, Hedison, 55, has been quietly making waves in her own right as a fine art photographer and director, with her short film ALOK premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024—a project Foster supported as an executive producer.
The couple’s lunch outing took place at a cozy West Hollywood eatery, a spot they’ve reportedly favored in the past for its low-key atmosphere and delicious fare. Witnesses described the pair as relaxed and affectionate, a testament to the deep bond they’ve nurtured over their 11-year marriage. Foster, ever the minimalist when it comes to public appearances, opted for a casual yet chic look: a black t-shirt layered under a gray hoodie, paired with black jeans and sneakers. She accessorized with a pair of thin-rimmed glasses and a red crossbody bag, her short blonde hair tucked under a simple navy cap. Hedison complemented her wife’s understated style with a green sweater beneath a navy blue puffer jacket, brown pants, and grey sneakers, adding a pop of color with a bright orange scarf—a nod to her artistic flair as a photographer known for her visually striking work.
The couple’s decision to bundle up was fitting for the day’s weather, which, while not as gloomy as their January 2023 outing in the same neighborhood, carried a slight chill typical of late May in Los Angeles. They were seen chatting animatedly as they walked to the restaurant, their hands occasionally brushing—a subtle but telling sign of their closeness. Once inside, they shared a corner table, laughing over plates of what appeared to be a light lunch of salads and sandwiches, accompanied by glasses of iced tea. A fellow diner noted, “They looked so happy and comfortable together. You could tell they were just enjoying each other’s company, away from the cameras and the noise of Hollywood.”
Foster and Hedison’s preference for privacy has been a hallmark of their relationship since they began dating in 2013. They were first linked after being spotted together at a technology seminar at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, followed by a dinner with friends and an appearance at the opening night of Alan Cumming’s Macbeth on Broadway. By April 2014, they had tied the knot in a private ceremony, a union that has since been marked by mutual support and rare but meaningful public appearances. Over the years, they’ve stepped out together for significant events—like the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where Hedison joined Foster as she received the Honorary Palme d’Or, and the 2024 Emmys, where Foster dedicated her win for True Detective: Night Country to “the love of my life, Alex Hedison, my wife.” But casual outings like yesterday’s lunch are far less common, making this sighting all the more special for fans.
Their relationship has often been described as one of quiet strength, a partnership built on shared values and a mutual understanding of the entertainment industry’s demands. Foster, who began her career as a child actress in films like Taxi Driver and went on to win two Academy Awards for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, has always been fiercely protective of her personal life. In her 2013 Golden Globes speech, where she publicly addressed her sexuality for the first time, she emphasized her desire for privacy, saying, “I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago back in the Stone Age… to trusted friends and family and co-workers and then gradually, proudly to everyone who knew her.” Hedison, too, has shied away from the spotlight, despite her own early career as an actress in shows like The L Word and Melrose Place. She told The New York Times in 2004, “Actors need to be front and center all the time. That’s not me,” a sentiment that led her to focus on photography and directing, fields where she has found fulfillment away from Hollywood’s glare.
Yesterday’s lunch outing wasn’t just a chance to enjoy a meal together—it also offered a moment of respite for Foster, who has been navigating a whirlwind of professional commitments. Following her Golden Globe win in January 2025, she attended the Netflix after-party with Hedison by her side, a rare night out that showcased their ability to balance work and personal life. Foster’s recent projects have also included the French-language film Vie Privée, which premiered at Cannes earlier this month, further demonstrating her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles. Hedison, meanwhile, has been working on new photography projects, with her work continuing to be featured in galleries and private collections worldwide. Her 2016 exhibit “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” in Cascais, Portugal, was named one of the top ten exhibitions in Lisbon that year by Time Out magazine, a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.
The couple’s appearance also sparked renewed interest in their dynamic as partners who support each other’s passions while maintaining a low profile. Hedison has often spoken about Foster’s encouragement of her work, such as when Foster flew in from New York at 4 a.m. to attend the Sundance premiere of ALOK in 2024, despite being on a major press tour for True Detective: Night Country. “She’s just so incredibly supportive and so happy for me,” Hedison told PEOPLE at the time. Foster, in turn, has praised Hedison’s creativity, noting in a 2024 interview with The Guardian that while they keep their work lives separate, they recognize each other’s strengths: “She’s extraordinarily visual. Great photographer.”
Social media lit up with photos and comments from fans who spotted the couple, with many expressing admiration for their enduring love. “Jodie and Alexandra are couple goals,” one user wrote on X. “They’re so private, but you can see how much they mean to each other.” Another commented, “It’s so refreshing to see a Hollywood couple who doesn’t need to flaunt their relationship. They just live their lives and love each other.” The sentiment echoes the couple’s own approach to their marriage, which Foster described during her 2024 hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre—an event that coincided with their 10th anniversary. “I love you so much, and I’m so grateful for the life we have together,” she said to Hedison from the podium, a rare public declaration that moved those in attendance.
For Foster and Hedison, yesterday’s lunch was a reminder that even amidst their busy careers and the pressures of Hollywood, they can find joy in the simple act of sharing a meal together. As they left the restaurant, hand in hand, they offered a brief wave to a few fans who called out their names before slipping into their car and driving off. The moment, though fleeting, captured the essence of their relationship: understated, authentic, and deeply loving—a rare and beautiful sight in a world often dominated by spectacle.
As Foster continues to take on new projects and Hedison expands her artistic portfolio, their partnership remains a source of inspiration for those who value privacy, mutual respect, and the quiet power of love. Yesterday’s lunch in Los Angeles may have been a rare public outing, but it was a perfect reflection of the life they’ve built together—one grounded in the things that matter most.
