Katie Holmes Stepped Out With an Old Co-Star — Fans Are Losing It Over Their Sweet Red Carpet Moments

Katie Holmes appeared at the Lincoln Center gala looking absolutely radiant, but it was who stood beside her that quickly became the night's biggest talking point.

Their cute moments on the red carpet didn't go unnoticed, and fans had plenty to say.

Holmes attended the April 14, 2026, gala screening of "Brunello: The Gracious Visionary" at Lincoln Center, where cameras captured a series of interactions that felt both familiar and strikingly current.

From the moment she arrived, it became clear this was more than just another red carpet appearance — it was one that would spark conversation long after the event ended.

A Vision in Metallic and Silk

Holmes opted for a coordinated evening look that perfectly balanced high-fashion structure with a touch of relaxed elegance. She turned heads in a white button-down shirt styled effortlessly off one shoulder, revealing a delicate black-and-silver strap underneath.

The crisp top was tucked into a floor-length, high-waisted skirt featuring a textured metallic finish that shimmered under the flashbulbs.

She completed the ensemble with a small black clutch and pointed heels, looking every bit the modern-day fashion icon.

Her hair was styled in a softly waved bob that grazed her shoulders. Her makeup remained natural, highlighting her defined eyes and a neutral lip that let her smile take center stage.

Holmes's Dapper Red Carpet Companion

The man by her side looked equally sharp in his burgundy velvet and black bow tie — a formal look that complemented her outfit. As they moved through the event, the pair was seen looking incredibly comfortable in each other's space.

It didn't take long for eagle-eyed fans of 90s teen drama to realize that the man sharing those intimate whispers was one of Holmes's former "Dawson's Creek" co-stars.

Seeing Joey Potter and Pacey Witter together in 2026 felt like a fever dream for fans of the classic series.

Subtle Red Carpet Moments That Drew Attention

In multiple images, the pair stands side by side with their arms linked. They were also photographed facing one another, smiling and maintaining eye contact.

A clip captures a moment when they shared a private joke that left Holmes in stitches. During conversations with others near the entrance, Holmes held her clutch in front of her and turned slightly toward the group, while her companion remained close at her side.

Across the evening, their movements appeared coordinated as they walked together, paused for photos, and engaged with other attendees.

Fans Are Shipping It Hard

Social media is currently flooded with reactions from fans who have waited over 20 years for this "endgame" moment.

On Facebook, netizens couldn't contain their excitement, with one saying, "They look like a couple," while another asked, "Soooo….they are dating?"

Another fan pointed out the chemistry, commenting, "[It's] the way they look at one another 😍." The sentiment was echoed by others who noted, "You can tell by their eyes there is genuine fondness there. Beautiful people!"

The consensus seems to be that these two just make sense together. One hopeful supporter wrote, "They are just so full of joy around each other. They have a beautiful friendship and are single divorcees. They seem like they belong together."

A Smile That Says More than Words

It wasn't just the poses that caught the public's eye, but the sheer joy radiating from Holmes. Instagram users were quick to notice, with one fan writing, "They look so good together 😍❤️."

Others were moved by her apparent happiness, noting, "Love her smile and how she shines now looking at Joshua!" Some even felt it was a return to form, claiming they "Haven’t seen her smile like that since DC."

As one observer simply put it: "This is the first time seeing Katie Holmes smile happily after such a long time since her breakup with her past love."

A Bond That Never Faded

This isn't just any Hollywood reunion; Holmes and Joshua Jackson share a history that goes back decades. Way back in 1999, she seemed to be referencing Jackson as she admitted that she met her first love when filming "Dawson's Creek."

"I'm more apt to go for a dark-haired man," she said. "I don't know, it's my thing. Someone who's intelligent but not showy. Especially in this business. You get around so many people who always need to be on, and it's nauseating. It's like, 'Would you just be normal?'"

She also described a significant relationship from that time.

"I fell in love, I had my first love, and it was something so incredible and indescribable that I will treasure it always," she said at the time. She also noted back then that he had become one of her best friends, a sentiment that clearly holds true today.

Holmes added one more detail about that connection: "He's been in the business so long, and he's really helped me. I respect him as a friend and as a professional."

Months before the gala, the pair delighted fans when Holmes posted a studio-style portrait of them together in July 2025. She spoke about her friendship with Josh while announcing their new film project, "Happy Hours."

"I am so very grateful to be working again with so many of my wonderful friends on this film HAPPY HOURS," she wrote. "And working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship."

The image showed them posed side by side against a neutral background, reinforcing their long-standing professional connection.

Timing Is Everything

The timing of this display of affection has fans hoping. Jackson is officially single after having recently hammered out a divorce settlement with Jodie Turner-Smith in May 2025.

Meanwhile, Holmes has been unattached since her split from musician Bobby Wooten III in late 2022. Seeing two single, beautiful people with such a deep history looking this happy has the internet in a total tailspin.

At the gala, they stood close together with Katie Holmes's arm firmly linked through his. Their consistent eye contact and coordinated movement through the venue suggested a deep level of comfort.

Whether they are just best friends or something more, one thing is certain: New York City looks very good on them.