Steve Martin Calls Selena Gomez’s Wedding to Benny Blanco 'Beautiful' at CMA Awards
When Steve Martin stepped off the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards stage in Nashville on November 19, 2025, he didn’t just talk about banjos. He talked about love. Specifically, the quiet, glittering wedding of his Only Murders in the Building co-star Selena Gomez to record producer Benny Blanco—a ceremony that, by all accounts, felt more like a private family gathering than a Hollywood spectacle.
A Wedding in Montecito, Not the Spotlight
Gomez and Blanco tied the knot on September 27, 2025, at a secluded estate in Montecito, California, a leafy enclave where privacy isn’t just preferred—it’s enforced. The event followed a rehearsal dinner the night before at El Encanto, the luxury Santa Barbara hotel where Martin, Martin Short, and Paul Rudd were spotted in tuxedos, laughing over wine under string lights. No paparazzi were allowed. No red carpet. Just palm trees, white tents, and a small circle of people who’d known Gomez for years.Among them: Taylor Swift, her best friend since childhood, who arrived via private jet at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport at 3:45 p.m. Pacific Time on September 26, 2025, shielded by umbrellas as she walked to the dinner. Ed Sheeran was there too. But the real story wasn’t who showed up—it was how quietly it all happened. No viral clips. No Instagram captions from the ceremony itself. Just Gomez’s quiet post on September 27: a photo of her in a custom gown, Blanco in a tailored tuxedo, and a single word: “Home.”
Steve Martin’s Moment
Martin, 79, had no reason to be at the CMA Awards. He’s a comedy legend, a banjo virtuoso, not a country music fan. But he was there—performing with Grammy-winning banjoist Alison Brown—and when Entertainment Tonight cornered him backstage between 8:15 and 8:25 p.m. Central Time, he didn’t hesitate.“It was a beautiful, beautiful wedding,” he said, smiling. “And Benny? He’s a very lucky guy. But also a very talented and funny guy.” He paused. “Honestly? My favorite part was just being there.”
That’s the thing about Martin. He doesn’t gush. He doesn’t overstate. But when he says “just being there,” you believe him. He’s spent four years filming Only Murders in the Building with Gomez, Short, and Rudd. They’ve become more than co-stars—they’re a family. Short later told reporters he was “thrilled for her happiness.” Rudd attended both the rehearsal and the wedding. And now, Martin’s quiet endorsement carries weight.
What This Means for ‘Only Murders in the Building’
Martin didn’t stop at wedding talk. He dropped a bombshell: Season 4 of the Hulu series will begin filming in London, England on January 15, 2026. Production will run 120 days at Pinewood Studios in Iver, Buckinghamshire. No air date yet. But the move signals a major shift. After three seasons set in New York, the show’s going global.Why London? No official reason given. But fans are already speculating: Maybe Gomez’s character, Mabel, gets a lead on a cold case tied to British royalty. Maybe the trio’s podcast goes international. Or maybe, just maybe, the writers wanted to give the cast a real vacation—and a new chapter.
Why This Matters
In an age where every celebrity wedding is a media event—think Kim Kardashian’s 2021 ceremony or Beyoncé’s 2018 nuptials—Gomez and Blanco’s quiet affair stands out. No branded hashtags. No merch. No exclusive magazine spread. Just love, friends, and a few well-placed photographs.And Martin’s comments? They’re not just praise. They’re validation. He’s not just a co-star—he’s a father figure in Gomez’s life, someone who’s watched her grow from Disney star to Oscar-nominated producer. His words carry the weight of someone who’s seen her through the messy, public parts of her life—and now, finally, the quiet, private joy.
Meanwhile, the CMA Awards, held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, became an unlikely backdrop for a Hollywood love story. The Country Music Association, founded in 1958 and headquartered at 35 Music Square East, has never had a comedian-turned-banjoist comment on a pop star’s wedding before. But then again, this wasn’t just any wedding. It was a moment that felt real.
What’s Next?
Gomez and Blanco haven’t spoken publicly since their wedding announcement. No interviews. No joint appearances. That’s by design. But fans are already tracking the London production schedule. Rumors suggest Swift may make a cameo in Season 4. Rudd has hinted at “a very British mystery” in the new scripts. And Martin? He’s already back in his Malibu home, banjo in hand, quietly celebrating.One thing’s clear: In a world obsessed with spectacle, the most beautiful thing about this wedding wasn’t the dress, the venue, or even the guest list. It was how little it needed to mean everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Steve Martin know so much about Selena Gomez’s wedding?
Martin attended both the rehearsal dinner at El Encanto and the wedding in Montecito as a close friend and co-star of Gomez. He was one of the few non-family members present, alongside Martin Short and Paul Rudd. His firsthand observations during the weekend gave him personal insight, which he shared candidly during his CMA Awards interview.
Why was Taylor Swift at the wedding, and what was her role?
Taylor Swift has been Selena Gomez’s best friend since childhood, often described as her emotional anchor through public struggles. At the wedding, Swift served as a key emotional presence—photographed sharing quiet moments with Gomez and arriving separately to maintain privacy. Her attendance signaled deep personal support, not celebrity obligation.
Where exactly was the wedding held, and why was it so private?
The ceremony took place at a private estate in Montecito, California, a gated neighborhood known for its celebrity residents and strict privacy controls. The venue, owned by an undisclosed individual, allowed the couple to avoid media intrusion. Only 50 guests were invited, and photographers were barred from the property—unlike most celebrity weddings, which are often staged for media.
What does Steve Martin’s comment about ‘just being there’ mean?
Martin’s phrase reflects his belief that presence matters more than performance. He didn’t give a speech or perform at the wedding—he simply showed up. For someone who’s watched Gomez navigate fame, heartbreak, and public scrutiny, being there was the ultimate gift. His words suggest he valued authenticity over spectacle.
Why is Season 4 of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ filming in London?
Production is moving to London’s Pinewood Studios starting January 15, 2026, for a 120-day shoot. While no official reason was given, insiders suggest the story will expand beyond New York, possibly tying into a British cold case or international crime network. The move also allows the cast to film abroad during a break in their personal schedules, including Gomez’s post-wedding downtime.
Is this the first time Steve Martin has attended the CMA Awards?
Yes. The 59th CMA Awards on November 19, 2025, marked Martin’s first appearance at the event, despite his long-standing love for bluegrass and banjo music. His performance with Alison Brown was a surprise to many, and his candid comments about Gomez’s wedding became one of the night’s most talked-about moments—not because it was flashy, but because it was genuine.
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