LONDON — The Clooney Foundation for Justice held its fifth annual Albies awards ceremony and benefit gala on October 9 at the Natural History Museum in London, honoring journalists and human rights advocates who have shown exceptional courage in their pursuit of justice. The event, sponsored by Microsoft, Charlotte Tilbury, and Gucci, brought together renowned figures from across the entertainment, journalism, and human rights sectors.
The Albies, named after South African jurist and anti-apartheid activist Justice Albie Sachs, recognize individuals and organizations risking their personal safety to defend human rights worldwide. The foundation, established by George and Amal Clooney in 2016, held the gala in London for the second time, with George Clooney commenting on the city’s significance as a platform for human rights discussions.
Among the award recipients were Kyrgyz journalists Bolot Temirov and Makhabbat Tazhibek Kyzy, as well as photojournalist Lynsey Addario, noted for her coverage of international conflicts. Other honorees included Vanessa Mwanjisa, founder of the nonprofit Voices Awake; the Congolese human rights group Justice Plus; Girls Equipped for Change; and Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chairman and president. Smith emphasized the growing intersection of technology and human rights, acknowledging the unique risks faced by frontline defenders compared to those in the tech industry.
Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s veteran anchor, highlighted the challenges confronting human rights institutions amid global pressures. Speaking prior to the event, she acknowledged criticisms of international bodies but underscored their vital role in assigning individual accountability rather than collective blame. Amanpour also described the current media landscape as fraught with risks, including threats posed by artificial intelligence.
The gala attracted a high-profile guest list, with attendees including Anna Wintour—who was attending for the first time alongside her brother Patrick—actors Brad Pitt, Emma Thompson, Laura Dern, Isla Fisher, Hugh Bonneville, and Ncuti Gatwa, as well as fashion designer Donatella Versace and model-actress Emily Ratajkowski. Wintour expressed her support for the event’s mission to amplify the work of human rights defenders globally.
Hosted by broadcaster Graham Norton, the evening featured live performances by musicians Jackson Browne and Vic Mensa. The venue’s décor reflected an Italian Baroque theme, with emerald velvet drapery, gilded accents, crystal chandeliers, and abundant seasonal floral and fruit arrangements.
For many attendees, the gala was more than a social gathering; it was an opportunity to recognize and support individuals who face profound dangers in their efforts to secure justice. Actor Richard Kind, who traveled from New York for the event, remarked on the stark contrast between the comfortable lives of many and the perilous conditions faced by those the awards celebrate.
The Albies underscore ongoing global struggles for human rights and the dedication of those willing to confront considerable personal risk in pursuit of justice.