And they’re off! The 2026 Winter Olympic Games have begun and celebrities have flocked to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo to watch the death-defying feats of athleticism in person.
We’ve spotted notable Italians—such as White Lotus actor Sabrina Impacciatore and designer Donatella Versace—Italian Americans like Stanley Tucci, and American turned honorary Italian George Clooney and his wife, Amal. Several world leaders have been in attendance—some more warmly received than others. And some stars are at the Olympics simply for the love of the game (if you’ll excuse the pun). Snoop Dogg has transcended from spectator to actual participant as Team USA’s first honorary coach. The perks of that gig include getting off the bleachers and on to the ice to try his own hand at curling.
Before any of the jumping, gliding, dancing, and racing could begin, there was the star-studded opening ceremony, with performances from Andrea Bocelli, Sabrina Impacciatore, and more. Mariah Carey performed a medley which included “Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu” in Italian and her own “Nothing Is Impossible.” Italian model and, yes, girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio Vittoria Ceretti handed off the Italian flag while wearing a crisp white Armani dress (what else).
Charlize Theron made a surprise appearance on the opening ceremony stage as a UN Peace Ambassador and quoted a famous speech by Nelson Mandela. “Peace is not just the absence of conflict,” Theron recited. “Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.” She continued in her own words, per NBC, “So let these Games be more than just sport. Let them be a reminder of our common humanity, our respect for one another, and a resounding call for peace everywhere.”
Then after the ceremony, per Elle, some celebs, including the Clooneys, celebrated the opening of Omega House, which will be home base for the watchmaker and Olympic timekeeper’s ambassadors throughout the games.
And all that was just the beginning. Scroll on for more of our favorite celebrity sightings of the 2026 Olympic games.