It was the “wrist-grab” heard ‘round the world.
Hard as it is to believe, it has been just over five years since Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt effectively broke the internet. On January , , the former golden couple shared a brief, smiling, and incredibly viral backstage reunion at the SAG Awards—and fans still haven’t stopped talking about it.
The moment happened shortly after the Friends alum took home the trophy for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for The Morning Show. As she made her way through the wings, she ran into her ex-husband, sparking a frenzy of flashing bulbs and social media shrieks.
For a generation of fans, it was the closure—or the new beginning—they had waited years to see. The pair famously divorced in after five years of marriage, just before Pitt moved on with his Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-star Angelina Jolie.
But while the internet was busy manifesting a romantic reconciliation, Jen was quick to set the record straight: they’re just “buddies.”
Following another public (though virtual) reunion for a live table read of Fast Times at Ridgemont High in late , Aniston opened up about the dynamic on The Howard Stern Show.
“It was absolutely fun. Brad and I are buddies, we’re friends,” she maintained, putting any rumors of “oddness” to rest.
“We speak, and there’s no oddness at all, except for everyone that probably watched it and was wanting there to be, or assumed there to be,” she added with a laugh. “We had fun, and it was for a great cause.”
While Pitt has navigated a rocky few years—including a high-profile split from Jolie and reported estrangements from several of their six children—Aniston has remained a steady, supportive voice in the background of his life.
Her ability to maintain a friendship with her ex shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who have followed her journey. Even in the raw aftermath of their split, Aniston showed incredible grace.
“I really do hope that someday we can be friends again,” she told Vanity Fair in , just a year after the divorce. “I still feel so lucky to have experienced [our marriage]. I wouldn’t know what I know now if I hadn’t been married to Brad.”
In quotes that have since become legendary among her fan base, she added: “I love Brad; I really love him. I will love him for the rest of my life. He’s a fantastic man.”
Aniston has always pushed back against the “Hollywood cliché” of the bitter divorce, choosing instead to honor the “seven very intense years” they spent together.
“We taught each other a lot — about healing, and about fun,” she previously shared. “We helped each other through a lot, and I really value that. It was a beautiful, complicated relationship.”
Half a decade after that viral SAG embrace, it seems the two have finally reached the “someday” Jen hoped for back in . No drama, no “oddness”—just two Hollywood icons who have mastered the art of the friendly ex.
Jennifer Aniston and Friends Show Off Stunning Summer Styles
These days, when people say something is basic, they don’t always mean it in a flattering way. But when it comes to wardrobe staples, basic is anything but boring. Just look at the ways Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner, and Joanna Gaines have been wearing them.
All three stars recently wore mix-and-match pieces that are the foundation of any great capsule wardrobe. Aniston paired vintage-wash jeans with a fitted black tank for a sleek, casual look, and Garner dressed up light-wash jeans with a luxe-looking, short-sleeve polo shirt. As for Gaines, she went monochromatic in black jeans and a loose-fitting tank.
If you’re also now inspired to upgrade your own staples, keep scrolling for lookalike Quince clothing pieces starting at $16.
Jennifer Aniston’s Minimalist Masterclass
Aniston’s minimalist tank top and jeans combo is a go-to for her, and we can see why. To recreate her effortless ensemble, we found this Quince tank top with a modest scoop neck, fitted silhouette, and thick straps. It’s made of breathable cotton that’s lightweight enough for summer but can also be layered in the fall and winter. Team it with this pair of jeans, which has a vintage-inspired wash similar to the actress’s. The wide-leg style makes them a comfortable choice whether you’re running errands or heading to lunch.
Jennifer Garner’s Polished Polo
If your style favors classic silhouettes, Jennifer Garner’s sunset look belongs in your closet. Her timeless polo shirt looks nearly identical to this Quince one, which is made of soft, luxe cashmere. It has ribbed, fitted arms, a mid-sized collar, and an adjustable button-front neckline. Shoppers say it’s “lightweight enough for warm weather,” with one noting they “didn’t feel hot at all” wearing it on a 90-degree day. When it comes to her jeans, this lightwash pair is a great option with its subtle heathering at the hips and traditional five-pocket design. The barrel silhouette isn’t overwhelming, and reviewers call them “comfortable in all the right places.”
Joanna Gaines’ Black Basics
Basics are timeless, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also feel modern. Gaines’ monochromatic look proves that. Like this Quince top, her tank has a breezier fit with a subtle curve along the arms, and yes, while it looks good on its own, it’s also great for styling under linen button downs in summer and cardigans come fall. Our personal favorite piece of her look, though, is the sleek, flared jeans. Achieve the same style with Quince’s Luna pair, which mirrors Gaines’ silhouette and has built-in stretch for comfortable, all-day wear and a just-right mid-rise fit.
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