Reese Witherspoon, 50, and ex-husband Phillippe, 51, were seen for the first time together in years as they celebrated their son Deacon's commencement ceremonies from NYU

Celebrities were out in force for New York University’s 2026 graduation ceremony at Radio City Music Hall on Friday. 

Reese Witherspoon, 50, and ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, 51, were seen together for the first time in years as they watched their son Deacon receive his diploma.

Also present was Kate Hudson, 47, whose oldest son, Ryder, was also graduating from the prestigious private college. 

Hudson’s mom, Goldie Hawn, was there, too, as was her long-term partner, Kurt Russell.

Christy Turlington and filmmaker Edward Burns were similarly spotted at the star-studded ceremony, watching their graduate daughter Grace walk the stage in a cap and gown. 

Grace attended NYU’s elite Gallatin School of Individualized Study, the same institution her supermodel mom graduated from cum laude back in 1999. 

Reese Witherspoon, 50, and ex-husband Phillippe, 51, were seen for the first time together in years as they celebrated their son Deacon's commencement ceremonies from NYU

Reese Witherspoon, 50, and ex-husband Phillippe, 51, were seen for the first time together in years as they celebrated their son Deacon’s commencement ceremonies from NYU

Deacon, center, with sister Ava on the right and his half-brother Tennessee Toth, left

Deacon, center, with sister Ava on the right and his half-brother Tennessee Toth, left

Deacon looked proud as he modeled his purple robe with a yellow satin sash next to his mom

Deacon looked proud as he modeled his purple robe with a yellow satin sash next to his mom

Witherspoon and Phillippe, who wed in 1999 and divorced in 2008, appeared amicable as they arrived at the event with their other child, daughter Ava, 26. 

The actress’s third child, Tennessee, whom she has with her ex-husband Jim Toth, was also in tow. 

Toth was also present for the occasion, proving the Oscar-winner has managed to keep things cordial with both of her former spouses.  

The Legally Blonde beauty was elegant in a dark-blue denim button-up dress, an ivory blazer on her shoulders, and a matching handbag on her arm. 

Phillippe wore a crisp white untucked shirt with dark slacks and aviator sunglasses.

Witherspoon and Phillippe stood side by side for photographs with Deacon, who looked proud as he modeled his purple robe with a yellow satin sash.  

Deacon graduated with a degree in music from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. 

He already has a budding singing career, and has started his acting career with roles in Never Have I Ever and Motorheads.

Missing from the festivities was Witherspoon’s boyfriend of one year, 58-year-old German financier Oliver Haarmann.

The Cruel Intentions costars were side by side as they snapped away

The Cruel Intentions costars were side by side as they snapped away

Ava could be seen behind her parents as she wore a beige dress

Ava could be seen behind her parents as she wore a beige dress

Witherspoon and Phillippe in the 1999 movie Cruel Intentions

Witherspoon and Phillippe in the 1999 movie Cruel Intentions

Witherspoon and Phillippe were seen saying hello to Hudson, who attended the ceremony with her fiancé, Danny Fujikawa.

They exchanged warm hugs on the sidewalk outside Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan.

Witherspoon and Hudson have been pals for 35 years. The pair first met in 1991 at the premiere afterparty for Witherspoon’s film debut, The Man in the Moon. 

Oscar nominee Hudson wore a dark green coat over a lighter green V-neck dress, adding pumps and sunglasses while carrying a purse.

She cheered on her graduate son, Ryder Robinson, whom she shares with her ex, rocker Chris Robinson. 

Like Deacon Phillippe, Ryder studied music at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. 

Meanwhile, Hudson’s younger son, Bingham Bellamy, whom she had with musician Matthew Bellamy, was spotted as well.

Matthew was also present, as he wore a black coat and slacks and was seen saying a friendly hello to Fujikawa. 

And Hudson’s daughter Rani Rose, whom she shares with her fiancé Fujikawa, looked cute in an ivory lace dress with a matching jacket, white stockings and strappy heels as she held on to a stuffed animal.

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Kate Hudson, 47, wore a dark green coat over a lighter green V-neck dress as she added pumps and sunglasses while carrying a purse

Kate Hudson, 47, wore a dark green coat over a lighter green V-neck dress as she added pumps and sunglasses while carrying a purse

The actress with partner Fujikawa in Manhattan

The actress with partner Fujikawa in Manhattan 

Russell guided Hawn to the event as he wore a beige blazer and worn-in denim jeans

Russell guided Hawn to the event as he wore a beige blazer and worn-in denim jeans

Hawn was stylish in a black jacket with silver trim and exercise leggings with sneakers

Hawn was stylish in a black jacket with silver trim and exercise leggings with sneakers

Witherspoon's ex Jim Toth shook hands with an official as Ava looked on

Witherspoon’s ex Jim Toth shook hands with an official as Ava looked on

Witherspoon smiled at Kurt Russell who had partner Goldie Hawn by his side

Witherspoon smiled at Kurt Russell who had partner Goldie Hawn by his side

Fujikawa greeted Muse frontman Matt Bellamy, the ex of Hudson and father to Bingham

Fujikawa greeted Muse frontman Matt Bellamy, the ex of Hudson and father to Bingham

In this family photo, Chris Robinson (beige blazer) is next to his son Ryder, who was in a cap and gown. Far right is Robinson’s wife of six years, Camille Johnson

Witherspoon and Hudson have been pals for 35 years. The pair first met in 1991 at the premiere afterparty for Witherspoon's film debut, The Man in the Moon

Witherspoon and Hudson have been pals for 35 years. The pair first met in 1991 at the premiere afterparty for Witherspoon’s film debut, The Man in the Moon

Turlington was cheering on her mini-me daughter, Grace, 22, who also graduated from New York University.

The Vogue favorite is wed to She’s The One director Burns, who was also present. They also have a 20-year-old son named Finn Burns.

Turlington – a top 1990s model who worked for Versace and Fendi – posted images from her college graduation.

The child wore a purple gown as she held onto flowers.

Mom wore an ivory blouse with a beige skirt as she held a black purse. Dad Burns modeled a gray suit with a purple tie as he flashed a thumbs-up.

Ryder hugged his half-sister Rani as dad Chris and Hudson's fiancé looked on

Ryder hugged his half-sister Rani as dad Chris and Hudson’s fiancé looked on

Hudson smiled at her mini-me daughter as they chatted on the street

Hudson smiled at her mini-me daughter as they chatted on the street 

Hudson beamed with pride as her eldest son put his arm around her

Hudson beamed with pride as her eldest son put his arm around her

Ryder was flanked by his mom and future stepfather Fujikawa

Ryder was flanked by his mom and future stepfather Fujikawa

Little Rani reached up to place a flower leis on her older brother

Little Rani reached up to place a flower leis on her older brother

Christy Turlington and her mini-me daughter Grace Burns, 22, as she graduated from New York University

Christy Turlington and her mini-me daughter Grace Burns, 22, as she graduated from New York University

Mom and daughter with dad Edward Burns, a filmmaker

Mom and daughter with dad Edward Burns, a filmmaker

Holding up her signed diploma from New York University

Holding up her signed diploma from New York University

‘What a week – and what a milestone,’ Turlington wrote. ‘As a mother and as a parent, this moment feels profound. So many hopes and dreams for my firstborn are unfolding far sooner than I ever imagined.’

‘There’s a saying: educate a girl and you educate a nation,’ she continued.

‘That’s a powerful responsibility – but if anyone is ready to carry it, it’s my daughter, alongside her friends and classmates who are already becoming the change they want to see in the world.’

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