Exploring Kaitlyn Dever’s Love Life: Meet Her Boyfriend Ethan Dawes, Co-Star and Rising Talent
Kaitlyn Dever has begun to share details about her new romance with Ethan Dawes.
The Booksmart star appeared to confirm their relationship at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 2.
During the event, the couple was photographed at their table, where Dawes affectionately kissed Dever on the cheek while she smiled broadly. They also took a playful photo together at the bar, with Dawes holding onto the actress’ purse. Despite these tender moments, Dever chose to walk the red carpet solo.
This date night occurred two months after speculation about Dever and Dawes dating began in early December 2024. Their romance is blossoming as Dever recently gained acclaim for her portrayal of Belle Gibson in Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar, and she is currently starring as Abby in season 2 of The Last of Us.
Although she has not publicly commented on her relationship with Dawes, Dever is known for maintaining privacy regarding her personal life.
So, who is Kaitlyn Dever’s boyfriend? Here’s what you need to know about Ethan Dawes and his relationship with the Emmy-nominated actress.
He attended Emerson College
Dawes hails from Encinitas, California, but he pursued his studies on the East Coast, attending Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, where he focused on film.
He’s a director and actor
Similar to Dever, Dawes is also involved in the entertainment industry.
He is a writer and director, recognized for his work on the web series Chicken Girls and #Cybriety. His other notable credits include the 2012 short film A Grey Matter, the 2013 web series Boychicks, and 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections.
In addition to directing, Dawes has taken on acting roles, including minor appearances in AMC’s Mayfair Witches and MTV’s Sweet/Vicious.
He’s a musician
While at Emerson, Dawes was part of an electronic music group called Super Mash Bros., which produced mashups and toured college campuses across the country, even opening for Blink-182 in 2013.
His passion for music aligns with Dever’s, as she is also involved in music, performing in a band with her younger sister, Mady, called Beulahbelle. In a May 2020 interview, Dever expressed, “Music has always been such a passion and love of mine, and it’s the same for my sister, so we thought it would be a cool way to share our work with the world.” She added that pursuing music alongside acting is something she “definitely” wants to do.
He and Dever first sparked dating rumors in December 2024
Dever and Dawes first ignited dating rumors on December 5, 2024, when they attended a dinner together at the Brunello Cucinelli event at Chateau Marmont, and were later seen leaving the venue hand-in-hand.
During the event, they also posed for a photo with Dever’s Apple Cider Vinegar co-star Jon Hamm and his wife, Anna Osceola.
He and Dever confirmed their relationship at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party
Two months later, Dever seemingly confirmed her relationship with Dawes at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party.
Inside the event, the couple displayed affection by sharing kisses and embracing one another while Dawes held Dever’s purse in one photo. Dever wore a stunning sequined black dress by Dolce & Gabbana and even took pictures with various celebrities, including Billie Lourd, Sarah Paulson, and Olivia Wilde.
However, she chose to keep her relationship discreet, walking the red carpet alone and posting only solo images from the evening on social media.
