Selena Gomez and Steve Martin skip Actor Awards to support Martin Short

The glitzy 32nd annual Actor Awards in Los Angeles felt a little quieter on Sunday, 1 March, as the beloved Only Murders in the Building trio remained noticeably absent.

Selena Gomez and Steve Martin chose to skip the ceremony in a poignant act of solidarity with their co-star, Martin Short.

The 75-year-old comedian is currently reeling from a devastating family tragedy following the death of his daughter, Katherine, who died by suicide on 23 February at the age of 42.

The Short family shared their heartbreak in a statement, saying: “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short.

The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time.” They added that Katherine was “beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”

Katherine was one of three children adopted by Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010.

Despite the cast's nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and Short’s individual nod for his role as Oliver Putnam, the stars prioritised friendship over the red carpet.

The awards for their categories ultimately went to Seth Rogen and the cast of The Studio. For a cast known for their tight-knit chemistry on screen, this quiet withdrawal speaks volumes about their real-life bond.

The comedy community has rallied around Short, offering privacy and support as he navigates this second major loss within his immediate family.