Ryan Phillippe and Abbie Cornish's first couple outing

Abbie Cornish and Ryan Phillippe's relationship has been on the down low since they costarred in "Stop-Loss." The actress was rumored to be the reason behind his subsequent separation and divorce from Reese Witherspoon.

But with Reese showing up out in public holding hands and smooching with her new love, Jake Gyllenhaal, all's fair in love and divorce. What's good for the goose is good for the gander?

Ryan was at the Australians in Film Breakthrough Awards last night at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. He was watching the exciting NBA basketball game (Lakers and Celtics) in the bar before the festivities began, sitting and chatting about the game with (unbeknownst to him) an L.A. Daily News columnist. Later in the party, Ryan put a hand around Abbie's back for a  little PDA before she won her award.

Accepting her Breakthrough Award from "Stop-Loss" director Kimberly Peirce, Abbie thanked everyone — her director, manager, etc. — but pointedly did not name her costar Ryan, who was standing in the audience on the poolside patio.

Afterward, the couple did pose for photos together on the couch, looking strangely somber and serious for a.) a couple in love and b.) Abbie having just won an award!

Jeez, guys. Lighten up!

The night was also bittersweet when director Gregor Jordan announced the AIF's new Heath Ledger Scholarship and remembered loaning the "old, broke actor" a few hundred bucks early in his career.

"The first thing he does is go into a bar and buy everyone a round of drinks. It was that generosity that somehow sums Heath up. When he had nothing, he still found a way to give to others."

Click here for more about the event.

Reporting: Sal Morgan

Photo: Ryan and Abbie last night at the Australians in Film Breakthrough Awards in Beverly Hills. Can you feel the love? WireImage

Comments

[dana]

I just can't stand Abbie Cornish. I don't think I'll watch any of her movies. Reese is soo much better than her! I feel sorry for Ryan for loosing Reese. He lost Reese for someone who can't even compare to her!

[Philboy]

He honestly cheated on Reese for that?

[MG]

If I remember correctly, both of them denied that they were involved with one another or had any interest in each other.

When celebrities turn around and do the exact thing that they deny doing serves only to make the Tabloids reputable.

[karmasulta]

Man That Abbie Cornish is UGLY! He didn't even cheat with a good looking woman. Reese was way too classy for for Ryan and way too good looking for him. WHAT A LOSER RYAN AND ABBIE are..... LOSERS and MORONS. What happend to till death do us part?

[Chelsie]

I'm so sorry but the more I look at this girl the more I'm not a fan of her face. She has the weirdest nose ever. It's kind of long but a bit to Miss. Piggy at the end. So I'll stop looking at her from now on.

Yeah I do feel SORT OF bad for Ryan for losing Reese but hey life goes on. So what can you do?

[amber]

Well, she will be a very accomplished actress, mark my words. Wait till you see CANDY with Heath Ledger. She is gonna be huge. She is no Reese, but she is by no means ugly. I am sure the people who posted remarks on her looks would not be considered Hollywood glamorous either.

[Dawn]

Ryan and Reese were one of those couples that you just hate because they look so perfect together, two beautiful people. When I heard they broke up I was shocked. This girl's no Reese, and Reese is not only more beautiful but the mother of his kids. Major plus.