Malala Yousafzai shines bright at the Oscars 2023 - Kayla Oaddams, Getty Images
Malala Yousafzai Shines Bright on the Oscars 2023 Red Carpet
By Sophie Dweck
Malala Yousafzai looked lovely as ever on the Oscars 2023 red carpet.
The activist, who attended the event with her husband Asser Malik, turned heads in a sequin-covered hooded gown by Ralph Lauren Collection, but perhaps the highlight of her metallic look was the accessories. Yousafzai paired her ensemble with jewelry from Fred Leighton that was previously owned by Queen Soraya Tarzi of Afghanistan, who was a legendary activist herself during the 20th century. For the star-studded ceremony, Yousafzai opted for 1920s diamond briolette pendant earrings in platinum and a 19th century diamond navette-shaped ring.
Yousafzai wearing Fred Leighton Jewels - Kevin Mazur, Getty Images
Queen Soraya is best known as the driving force behind the education and emancipation of women in Afghanistan in the early 20th century. She also founded the country's first magazine for women which promoted women’s welfare, and she established the first primary school for girls in Kabul. Queen Soraya is also remembered for walking next to her husband, King Amanullah Khan in public, which had never happened before in Afghanistan's history.
As for Yousafzai, she first became a household name internationally in 2014 when she was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize at just 17 years old. At Oscars 2023, her documentary short , Stranger at the Gate , which she co-produced was up for an Academy Award. The critically acclaimed short film is also up against The Elephant Whisperers, Haulout, How Do You Measure a Year?, and The Martha Mitchell Effect. In 2015, Yousafzai was the subject of the Oscar-shortlisted documentary He Named Me Malala. – TOWN&COUNTRY
The Express Tribune adds: … She took to social media to share glimpses from the coveted event and it does seem like she had a ball! "It was all a dream," Malala shared on Instagram as she posted a carousel of pictures from the Academy Awards 2023. The renowned activist went on to divulge her Ralph Lauren number, and surely it represented a cause close to her. "I wanted my dress to represent the message of our film, Stranger at the Gate, and embody hope. Thank you so much to the brilliant team that helped bring my vision to life."
She went on to add, "I was proud to represent this amazing documentary with the director, Joshua Seftel, producer Conall Jones and the film’s inspiring subjects Bibi and Mac. And, as always, I was delighted to spend the night with my husband Asser Malik, looking handsome as ever in his tux."
Malala was lauded for her gorgeous outfit and how she represented Pakistan on a global stage. "Nothing. Just Malala stealing our hearts away," a user penned.
Another added, "Not our baby Malala looking like an actual knight in shining armour."
'Speak for peace'
While seated among Hollywood's royalty, Malala was approached by the host of the night Jimmy Kimmel. The renowned host left many puzzled after he asked a rather bizarre question to Malala. The host became the butt of the jokes after he approached the producer during a break in proceedings and asked her an awkward question about Harry Styles and Chris Pine's 'spit-gate' drama.
The presenter read out a question from a fan named Joanne, saying, "She asked, your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspiration–as the youngest Nobel prize winner in history, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?" To this, Malala responded, "I only talk about peace." A breezy Jimmy retorted, "You know what, that's why you're Malala and nobody else is. That's a great answer, Malala. The winner is 'Malala-land', everybody."
Many took to Twitter to express shock over Jimmy's 'corny' question. "Jimmy Kimmel get away from Malala!" a user tweeted.
Another added, "Full offense. Malala was shot by the Taliban in her face and she has an Oscar-nominated documentary and is the youngest Nobel prize winner. You’re asking her about *reads notes* spit-gate?"
Another user opined, "Why the hell did Jimmy Kimmel go up to Malala, make that corny Chris Pine and Harry Styles joke and then call her Malala land? What is wrong with this man."
However, Malala, while addressing the said snafu, remarked, "Treat people with kindness."
Among the stars
Malala also went on to meet some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Taking to Instagram, she shared a picture with none other than Grammy-winning artist Rihanna, who was also an Oscar nominee for her song Lift Me Up, featured in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. "Always love meeting royalty," Malala wrote as she posted a picture of her interacting with the Diamond singer as her Asser looks in admiration.
Malala, in a separate story, took a jibe at her husband and penned, "Someone was jealous."
She then posted a picture of her meeting the iconic Ford Harrison! "What an honour," Malala remarked.
At the pre-Oscar party, Malala was seen in an ivory figure-hugging gown as she posed with celebrated star, Salma Hayek. The latter took to Instagram and shared a picture with the activist ahead of the big night.
Celebrating South Asian Excellence
Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra and The Office star Mindy Kaling hosted a South Asian Excellence party ahead of the Oscars 2023 in Los Angeles recently to celebrate the achievement of all nominees who made it to the Academy Awards this year.
The pre-Oscars party saw a myriad of Pakistani stars in attendance including the Joyland team Saim Sadiq, Alina Khan, Apoorva Guru Chara, alongside filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, singer Ali Sethi, actor-director Riz Ahmed and more.
Malala and Asser were in attendance as well. Asser uploaded a picture on his Instagram Story from the party featuring the “Pakistani gang” that included Tan France, Maheen Khan, Rasti Farooq, and Ali Junejo as well. – The Express Tribune
