Los Angeles – Michelle Williams made her first public appearance since the death of her Dawson’s Creek co-star, James Van Der Beek, attending the 32nd Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The actress, nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role in FX’s Dying for Sex, walked the red carpet with her husband, Thomas Kail, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. The appearance marked a poignant moment as Williams publicly acknowledged the loss of Van Der Beek, who passed away in February at age 48 after a battle with cancer.
The SAG Awards appearance comes after Van Der Beek announced his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024. Williams publicly voiced her support for her former colleague at that time, and her presence at the awards show is being seen as a tribute to their long-standing friendship and professional relationship. The two actors first rose to prominence together on the hit WB series Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, becoming teen idols and launching both of their careers.
News of Van Der Beek’s passing was shared via a statement on his Instagram page, reading, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” The statement continued, requesting privacy for his family as they grieved, and indicated that further details regarding his wishes would be shared at a later time. The loss resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike, prompting an outpouring of tributes across social media.
Williams, 45, has not yet publicly commented on Van Der Beek’s death, but her presence at the SAG Awards served as a visible expression of remembrance. In April 2025, she spoke to Entertainment Tonight, stating, “We’re in contact, and he’s in our hearts and our minds, and he knows that. And we’re here for him in every and all ways.”
A Dawson’s Creek Family Supports a Friend
The bond between Williams and Van Der Beek extended beyond their time on Dawson’s Creek. In August 2025, Williams spearheaded a reunion of the show’s cast to raise money for F Cancer, an organization dedicated to funding colorectal cancer research. “We grew up in Capeside and that’s a bond that will last a lifetime,” Williams said in a statement. “We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we are all here. We always have been and we always will be. And I grasp the fans of Dawson’s Creek feel the same way.”
While Van Der Beek was unable to attend the reunion due to a stomach virus, he expressed his gratitude for the support of his former co-stars, including Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, who participated in a reading of the Dawson’s Creek pilot episode. In a video message shared during the event, Van Der Beek said, “I have been looking forward to this night for months and months…I can’t believe I don’t get to see my castmates, my beautiful cast in person.” He continued, thanking the cast, crew, and fans for their generosity, and support.
Williams’ Current Work and Recognition
Beyond honoring her former colleague, Williams is similarly being recognized for her own work. Her nomination at the SAG Awards is for her performance in the FX television movie, Dying for Sex. Williams has a celebrated career, having previously won three Golden Globe Awards, including one for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn (2011) and another for her role in the miniseries Fosse/Verdon (2019), as well as for Dying for Sex (2025). She also holds a Primetime Emmy Award for Fosse/Verdon.
The 32nd SAG Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, celebrated the achievements of actors in film and television. The event drew Hollywood’s biggest stars, showcasing modern glamour and timeless tailoring on the red carpet.
Further details regarding the Van Der Beek family’s plans to honor his wishes are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Williams is expected to continue her work on upcoming projects, and the outcome of the SAG Awards nominations will be announced at a later date.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or loss, resources are available. You can contact the Grief Support Network at https://www.griefsupportnetwork.org/ or the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://www.nami.org/.
What are your thoughts on Michelle Williams’ tribute to James Van Der Beek? Share your comments below, and be sure to share this article with others.
