Brief

Amal and George Clooney spotlight human‑rights defenders at fifth Albies gala

The Clooney Foundation for Justice highlighted Kyrgyz journalists, a Malawian activist and others while noting the constant fundraising work behind the scenes.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:34:24 GMT

At the fifth annual Albies gala in London on Oct. 9, Amal and George Clooney used the star‑studded event to draw attention to a roster of human‑rights defenders, according to Vogue.

What happened

The gala, hosted at the Natural History Museum, placed the Clooneys at a central table flanked by longtime friends Laura Dern, Brad Pitt, rapper‑activist Vic Mensa and actor Hugh Bonneville. Across from them sat Vogue editor Anna Wintour, musician Jackson Browne and actress Emma Thompson. The evening’s honorees included Kyrgyz journalists Bolot Temirov and Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, Malawian girls’‑rights activist Vanessa Mwangala, American photojournalist Lynsey Addario, the Congolese NGO Justice Plus and Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith.

What the reports add

Vogue noted that George explained the award criteria: “You have to look at things that are going on in the news… we’re looking for people that are shining a light on an issue, can help put a protective shield over someone, or prevent them from being thrown in jail or killed.” Journalist Christiane Amanpour, also in attendance, echoed the focus on protection, saying the moment demands “more big names and big organizations … to say ‘Hang on, this is important, this space has to be defended.’”

What was said

George Clooney told guests that most of the foundation’s work is “fundraising” – “that’s the thing you end up doing most of, just trying to keep the lights on so that you can keep bringing attention to these people.” Amanpour added that the current climate makes defending human‑rights work “super important.”

How it came about

The Albies awards, named after anti‑apartheid hero Justice Albie Sachs, were founded by the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which provides free legal aid for free‑speech and women’s‑rights cases in more than 40 countries. Earlier this week Felo News reported on the gala’s star‑filled attendance and the foundation’s mission, linking the event to the broader, year‑round effort to fund and protect at‑risk defenders.

Key facts

The fifth Albies gala was held on Oct. 9, 2026 at London’s Natural History Museum. (vogue.com)
Honorees included Kyrgyz journalists Bolot Temirov and Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, activist Vanessa Mwangala, photojournalist Lynsey Addario, NGO Justice Plus and Microsoft VP Brad Smith. (vogue.com)
George Clooney said the foundation’s work is largely fundraising to keep attention on at‑risk defenders. (vogue.com)
Christiane Amanpour emphasized the need for high‑profile support for human‑rights work. (vogue.com)