Amal Clooney brought Hollywood glamour to London on Friday evening as she and husband George Clooney hosted the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s annual Albie Awards at the Natural History Museum.
The Albies, named after South African anti-apartheid hero Justice Albie Sachs, honour individuals risking their lives in the pursuit of justice. This year’s honourees included Gambian activist Fatou Baldeh, who campaigns against female genital mutilation, Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, and Marty Baron, the American newspaper editor celebrated in Spotlight.
Melinda French Gates was recognised for her advocacy for women and girls, while Ford Foundation President Darren Walker received the lifetime achievement award.
The Clooneys, addressing the gathering, stressed the purpose of the awards: “At The Albies, the sacrifices and courageous commitments to justice and human rights take centre stage. This is a celebration of the individuals whose lives and careers have come to embody those values that form the cornerstone of our foundation’s global work.”
The guest list underscored the couple’s standing in both Hollywood and philanthropic circles. Meryl Streep, a long-time friend, attended in an emerald tunic and trousers, while Meg Ryan turned heads in a glittering red gown.
Jemima Khan opted for black velvet, Dame Emma Thompson wore a chic pant suit, and Shailene Woodley shimmered in metallics.
John Legend looked dapper in a white tuxedo, while ‘Pose’ star Michaela Jae Rodriguez reimagined the classic tux with floral appliqué. Hannah Waddingham’s silver cape gown drew admiration, as did Isla Fisher’s strapless number.
Amal’s fashion choices have long made her a red-carpet favourite, but the evening was more than style. Wearing a flowing chocolate-brown gown with ruched detailing and a sweeping train, Amal lit up the red carpet, pairing her look with chandelier earrings and a bronze clutch
The Clooney Foundation for Justice, which operates in over 40 countries, provides legal aid to defend free speech and women’s rights. Its interventions have secured the release of dozens of journalists and enabled thousands of women to fight for their freedoms in court.
It has been a busy stretch for the Clooneys, arriving in London after appearances in New York, where Amal wowed in crimson velvet at the New York Film Festival. Yet for the couple, The Albies remain the signature event, combining star power with a serious mission: shining a light on those who risk everything to defend human dignity.
