London recently rolled out the red carpet for Hollywood’s elite, who gathered for the fourth annual Albie Awards. Hosted by Amal and George Clooney, this star-studded black-tie event is a heartfelt tribute to individuals worldwide dedicated to upholding justice.
In a notable change for its fourth year, the prestigious ceremony moved from its usual home at the New York Public Library to London’s iconic Natural History Museum. Over 400 distinguished guests, including luminaries like Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, graced the red carpet.
George Clooney explained that the relocation to England was largely a matter of timing. Both he and Amal were already scheduled to be in Britain, where Amal was launching a new initiative at Oxford University. This partnership focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to improve access to justice, accountability, and the progression of international law.
He added that given the global reach of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, London presented an ideal setting for the benefit gala. This year marked the event’s first time in London, following three successful years in New York. A striking image captured Amal Clooney in an elegant brown gown and George Clooney in a classic tuxedo, walking gracefully amidst the grand setting.
Observing the unusually composed press line, Clooney quipped that England’s red carpet scene was “a little less raucous” compared to New York City’s vibrant energy.
The gala, much like its New York predecessors, was a dazzling affair complete with a lavish reception and dinner. Musical talents John Legend and Brandi Carlile delivered memorable performances, while luxury brands Charlotte Tilbury and Versace proudly sponsored the evening. Fashion icon Donatella Versace made a grand entrance with creative director IB Kamara, adding to the evening’s glamour, which was further elevated by John Legend’s performance.
Despite the glittering facade, many attendees emphasized that the event transcended mere extravagance. For them, it was a profound gathering centered on a greater purpose. The guest list continued to impress with actresses Meryl Streep and Hannah Waddingham making appearances, alongside Felicity Jones and Meg Ryan, further solidifying the event’s A-list status.
The star power was undeniable, with Hannah Waddingham, Gayle King, and Meg Ryan (all in dazzling sequined gowns) among the many celebrities. They were joined by Graham Norton, Richard E. Grant, Dominic West, Isla Fisher, Stella McCartney, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Bianca Jagger, Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, and others, creating an endless parade of famous faces on the red carpet.
Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, captured the evening’s essence, stating, “Tonight is about hope and possibility. We need to be reminded that the future can be bright and that the world is not all dark.”
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, a returning attendee, echoed this sentiment. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who “often work quietly, but are incredibly important,” noting that many honorees have dedicated decades to their cause.
The awards are named in honor of Albie Sachs, a 90-year-old white South African jurist, author, and anti-apartheid activist, who received the inaugural Albie Award from the Clooney Foundation in 2022. Albie Sachs himself was present with his wife, Vanessa, a testament to the enduring spirit of the awards. This year’s distinguished honorees included Martin Baron, the former executive editor of The Washington Post, and Fatou Baldeh, a courageous Gambian women’s rights activist.
Sachs, who survived a 1988 car bombing that cost him his right arm and an eye, humbly reflected, “It’s almost bizarre, because I spent my life being an iconoclast and now I’ve become an icon. But I can live with the contradiction.”
He also highlighted the importance of a justice-focused event being enjoyable, noting the “joyous energy” that permeated the Albies – a refreshing change from typical human rights gatherings.
Many celebrity guests reiterated that the opportunity to celebrate the honorees and their relentless pursuit of justice was the primary reason for their attendance. This year’s prestigious awards recognized José Rubén Zamora, a Guatemalan journalist imprisoned for challenging political dissent; Fatou Baldeh, a fierce Gambian women’s rights advocate; philanthropist Melinda French Gates; and Martin Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post. Darren Walker of the Ford Foundation was honored with a lifetime achievement award. Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, expressed the event’s powerful message of “hope and possibility.” Performer Brandi Carlile arrived with her wife, Catherine Shepherd, ready to celebrate the evening’s inspiring recipients.
Brandi Carlile, impeccably dressed in a tailored tuxedo, expressed her enthusiasm for honoring individuals “risking everything,” contrasting it with “self-congratulatory” events she’d experienced. She also eagerly anticipated meeting her celebrity idol, Emma Thompson. The star power continued with actor Richard E. Grant, while a warm image captured Emma Thompson, Bryan Lourd, and Amal Clooney together. Other notable guests forming a glamorous group included Bella Tilbury, Isla Fisher, Charlotte Tilbury, Felicity Jones, Jemma Khan, Laura Bailey, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
Journalist Martin Baron viewed his presence and acceptance of the Albie Award as a “statement on behalf of free expression,” despite the glitzy atmosphere being far from his usual circles. He humorously admitted, “I normally don’t hang out with celebrities very much.”
Professional boxer Ramla Ali, a first-time attendee, shared a similar excitement. She enthusiastically declared her intention to break from convention and approach any admired celebrity for a picture, “If I see someone I love, I am going to go up to them and say, ‘Hey, can we take a picture?’”