Actor Mark Ruffalo wore a “Be Good” badge to the 2026 Golden Globes, drawing attention to the American Civil Liberties Union’s #BeGood campaign and sparking debate about activism at major events. The badge, a central focus at the ceremony, referenced recent deadly incidents involving United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, highlighting the Mark Ruffalo Be Good badge’s significance for viewers and attendees alike.
Spotlight on Advocacy at the Golden Globes
During the Golden Globes ceremony, Mark Ruffalo was seen alongside comedian Wanda Sykes and other entertainment industry figures, all sporting “Be Good” pins. As a nominee for Best Male Actor in a Television Series – Drama, Ruffalo was interviewed by USA Today about the intent behind the badge. He replied,
“This is for the people in the United States who are terrorised and scared today. I know I’m one of them. I love this country, and what I’m seeing here happening is not America.”
– Mark Ruffalo, Actor
Context Behind the “Be Good” Message
Ruffalo revealed that his gesture was in memory of Renee Good, whose recent death resulted from a shooting by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on a street in Minneapolis. When questioned about whether the Golden Globes was an appropriate venue for such an expression, Ruffalo responded,
“This is not normal anymore, and so I don’t know how I could be quiet….”
– Mark Ruffalo, Actor
The Role of the ACLU and the #BeGood Campaign
The “Be Good” pins at the event were part of a broader movement organized by the American Civil Liberties Union, in cooperation with advocacy groups such as Maremoto, National Domestic Workers Alliance, and Working Families Power. This ongoing #BeGood initiative promotes values of compassion and responsibility during a time of growing unrest and anxiety in the United States. Reports surfaced that 2025 marked
“ICE’s deadliest year in the past two decades.”
– Data, ACLU
Resonating Impact After Tragic Events
The #BeGood campaign gained momentum after the fatal shooting of Renee Good on Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, which ignited protests in that city and others, with demonstrators seeking justice from law enforcement and more action from President Donald Trump’s administration. According to the ACLU, the badges are intended
“to be good to one another in the face of such horror – to be a good citizen, neighbour, friend, ally and human.”
– ACLU Statement
Links have also been made between the campaign and the New Year’s Eve death of Keith Porter, who was killed by an off-duty ICE agent in Los Angeles. These incidents have fueled widespread concern over law enforcement behavior, adding urgency to conversations about accountability and compassion.
Award Outcome and Continuing Conversation
Although Mark Ruffalo did not win in his category—Noah Wyle received recognition for his work in “The Pitt.”—the presence of the Mark Ruffalo Be Good badge ensured that issues of justice and civic duty received significant visibility at a high-profile event. The dialogue initiated by Ruffalo and others signals a rising tide of advocacy and demands for change in entertainment venues and beyond, keeping national attention on law enforcement actions, immigration policies, and the responsibilities of citizens and leaders moving forward.
