February 4, 2026 5:09 am EST

Naomi Watts joined Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon at the glitzy premiere of their new series, Love Story, about John F. Kennedy Jr.’s and Carolyn Bessette’s tragic romance.

Watts, 57, who plays the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis — mother of JFK Jr. — in the FX show, looked glamorous as she arrived at the event, held at Carnegie Hall in New York on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Pidgeon and Kelly — who depict the beloved couple tragically killed in a 1999 plane crash — showed off their undeniable chemistry during their first-ever red carpet outing.

The cast looked in good spirits while posing together, seemingly brushing off previous harsh criticism regarding the show’s wardrobe. 

Watts stunned in a striking off-the-shoulder black Balenciaga gown with a flowing silhouette.

The gown featured a high neckline with a sparkling silver collar that resembled like a statement necklace. 

Naomi Watts joined Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon at the glitzy premiere of their new series Love Story, which follows John F. Kennedy Jr.’s and Carolyn Bessette’s tragic romance

The show depicts the beloved American couple tragically killed in a 1999 plane crash; The late couple pictured in 1997

The actress completed the ensemble with sophisticated opera-length white leather gloves, which were a clear nod to fashion icon and former First Lady Jackie O. 

Pidgeon looked chic in an Art Deco-inspired Chanel dress with a plunging neckline.

It featured a mint feather bottom and a black silk bow.

She wore her long blonde tresses in a straight style, similarly to Carolyn.

Paul cut a dapper figure in a black Dior suit with a white button-up underneath. 

The Ryan Murphy series is inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and will explore their undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship and high-profile marriage over nine episodes.

The series promises to capture the spark between the late son of President John F. Kennedy and his wife, as they navigate love under the intense glare of the public eye.

Their romance captivated the nation, as JFK Jr. was the only son of the late President.

After their secret 1996 wedding, Carolyn remained a figure of intense fascination and mystery, never giving an interview before the pair died in a plane crash near Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts in 1999.

Watts who plays the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis — mother of JFK Jr. — in the FX show, looked glamorous as she arrived at the event, held at Carnegie Hall in New York on Tuesday 

The actress wore sophisticated opera-length white gloves, which were a clear nod to fashion icon Jackie O; (R) The former First Lady seen wearing white gloves in Washington, D.C in 1963

She stunned in a striking off-the-shoulder black Balenciaga gown with a flowing silhouette

Meanwhile, Pidgeon and Kelly showed off their undeniable chemistry during their first-ever red carpet outing

Pidgeon channeled the beautiful Carolyn, who worked for Calvin Klein before her marriage to JFK Jr. in 1996; (R) Carolyn pictured in 1999

Pidgeon wore her long blonde tresses in a straight style, similarly to Carolyn

Kelly faced a daunting task in stepping into the role, as JFK Jr. was arguably the most famous heartthrob of his era; (R) JFK Jr. pictured in 1997

Pidgeon looked chic in an Art Deco-inspired Chanel dress with a plunging neckline

The film is Kelly’s first major Hollywood role

Paul cut a dapper figure in a black Dior suit with a white button-up underneath

The cast looked in good spirits while posing together, seemingly brushing off previous harsh criticism regarding the show’s wardrobe

Also at the event was Grace Gummer, who wore a racy black tuxedo-inspired dress with nothing underneath. She was joined by husband Mark Ronson.

She stars as JFK Jr.’s sister Caroline Kennedy. 

Sydney Lemmon dazzled in a shimmer semi-sheer black dress, which she paired with open-toe heels.

She stars as Carolyn’s sister Lauren Bessette.

Dree Hemingway wowed in a silky red look. She plays JFK Jr.’s ex-girlfriend Daryl Hannah. 

Martha Stewart made an appearance as well, looking chic in a burgundy pantsuit and plaid coat.

Alessandro Nivola — who plays designer Calvin Klein — was joined by son Sam Nivola on the red carpet. 

Louisa Jacobson wowed in a skintight button-up black dress.

Also at the event was Grace Gummer, who wore a racy black tuxedo-inspired dress with nothing underneath. She stars as JFK Jr.’s sister Caroline Kennedy

She was joined by husband Mark Ronson

Sydney Lemmon dazzled in a shimmer semi-sheer black dress, which she paired with open-toe heels. She stars as Carolyn’s sister Lauren Bessette

Martha Stewart made an appearance as well, looking chic in a burgundy pantsuit and plaid coat

Dree Hemingway wowed in a silky red look. She plays JFK Jr.’s ex-girlfriend Daryl Hannah

Louisa Jacobson wowed in a skintight button-up black dress

Alessandro Nivola — who plays designer Calvin Klein — was joined by son Sam Nivola on the red carpet

Ann Dexter-Jones rocked a colorful look

The cast happily posed together

The show has already had plenty of drama surrounding it. 

Early on-set photos of Pidgeon as Carolyn sparked intense critique: her wardrobe looked ‘off the rack’, the iconic Birkin bag was the wrong size (a 35 instead of her signature 40) and even the hair wasn’t quite right.

Fans did not hold back with savage comments about how ‘horrible’ Pidgeon was styled as Carolyn, who worked for Calvin Klein before her marriage to JFK Jr. in 1996.

Carolyn’s own colorist, Brad Johns, bashed the production as well, adding his late client would be ‘swirling in heaven’ when she sees the look.

Johns noted that the on-screen version was ‘too 2024′ and lacked the buttery tones that defined her signature look. For a series about one of the 90s’ ultimate It-girls, this was a problem.

Murphy addressed the backlash, clarifying the photos were just test shots and not the final wardrobe. 

While promoting her I Know What You Did Last Summer remake with E! News last year, Pidgeon offered a terse response to the haters.

Love Story kicks off with a three-episode premiere on February 12 via FX and Hulu

‘I can’t wait for them to see it!’ she said.

She added, ‘We’re just getting started. It’s been so exciting. I feel very honored to take on this role and learn about such an incredible woman who’s endured for close to 25 years now.’

Love Story kicks off with a three-episode premiere on February 12 via FX and Hulu.

The nine-part limited series will then shift to a weekly schedule, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

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