The excitement was palpable among fans as Kit Connor and Joe Locke, the lovable on-screen duo from the British queer coming-of-age series Heartstopper, arrived at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 3, 2025, at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Their first Oscars appearance together felt like a long-awaited celebration of their growing careers, and every camera flash captured just how comfortable they are in each other’s presence.
In red carpet interviews, both Kit Connor and Joe Locke seemed eager to gush over the other’s achievements, recalling how they “basically grew up” alongside one another since the day they were cast in Heartstopper.
“I feel like we’ve sort of grown up in the same sphere and on the same job, and have, really, I’d like to think been there for each other throughout it all,” Connor told Variety. “It feels really special to both be here at our first Oscars together, and it’s gonna be a good day.”
Connor’s sentiment immediately echoed on social media by the legions of fans who adore watching their genuine friendship unfold.
A Spark of Friendly Rivalry
Even though the Oscars are high-pressure events, Kit Connor and Joe Locke kept things light and playful.
When asked in a red carpet chat who would win a thumb war between them, Locke declared “Me” without hesitation, teasing that Connor is “all bark, no bite,” and joking that he constantly reminds him of this.
The duo laughed through the exchange, offering a welcome slice of fun on a night typically defined by intense competition and larger-than-life egos.
Alongside them, Yasmin Finney, another breakout from Heartstopper, also dazzled on the red carpet, making fans ecstatic to see so many cast members share in the evening’s splendor.
+Related: Heartstopper Hangs in the Balance: Will Netflix Deliver Season 4?
From Heartstopper to the Big Screen
Heartstopper, which premiered in 2022, has skyrocketed Kit Connor and Joe Locke into the public eye and turned them into LGBTQ+ icons for a new generation.
Their red carpet synergy left everyone curious about future seasons of the show, though Netflix has yet to confirm any renewal beyond Season 3.
Still, both actors have exciting projects in the works.
Connor provided the voice of Brightbill in the acclaimed animated feature The Wild Robot, nominated for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Sound.
Sharing the spotlight with names like Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Stephanie Hsu only boosted his cinematic reputation.
Meanwhile, Joe Locke discussed his upcoming ventures, hinting in one interview that if he could cast any Oscars-night spell, it would be for “employability” to keep new roles flowing.
He joked that the Dolby Theatre was “the best room to get a job in,” so why not seize the moment and skip the usual audition lines.
A Friendship That Delights Fans
At the heart of all this glitz is the genuine bond between Kit Connor and Joe Locke, two actors who continue to win fans with their off-screen warmth.
Many who’ve watched Heartstopper admire how these young stars portray authentic queer experiences and how they champion each other’s growth.
From comedic exchanges on the red carpet to heartfelt statements about mutual support, they embody the spirit of a new Hollywood era—one rooted in representation, friendship, and the thrill of shared successes.
Whether they return to Heartstopper or branch out into other major productions, the two remain committed to uplifting each other’s paths.
Their joint Oscars debut wasn’t merely a milestone for them as individuals, but a tribute to the synergy that fans have grown to love, igniting hopes that more magical collaborations lie ahead in their bright futures.
+Related: Heartstopper Season 3 Lands 100% Rotten Tomatoes Rating