There are certain corners of the internet and social media that lose their f-cking minds whenever Paul Mescal does something. So I’m very curious to see what the next few weeks will be like as we near the release of Gladiator II. 

 

Promotion for the film should be in full swing by the end of this month and the Academy Museum Gala is happening next Saturday 19 October where Rita Moreno, Quentin Tarantino, and Paul will be honoured. He’s receiving the Vantage Award for “an emerging artist or scholar who is helping to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema”. I was just in a short meeting with Joanna and we were wondering whether or not he’ll show up with a date – that would be Gracie Abrams, of course, and we’ll get back to them in a minute, but seeing as Gracie’s opening for Taylor Swift when she resumes The Eras Tour, and right now there’s a show that night in Miami, it seems unlikely. Unless of course there are hurricane issues but there should be no gossip bonus because of hurricanes. And if you are in that region, please know we are sending you safe thoughts!

 

Back to Paul, though, at the Academy Museum Gala… 

This event has become one of the most well-attended award season stops, attracting almost everyone who’s in the race, showing up in some really memorable looks, and this year that could be Paul. He’s already been an Oscar nominee for his performance in Aftersun two years ago. And Gladiator II is Oscar bait on a whole other level. Being recognised by the Academy at this point in the season is a great boost to his campaign. 

But also, apart from Paul, it’ll be interesting to see the other contenders who make an appearance at the gala. Especially the ones in the Best Actress race – Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Mikey Madison… maybe even Zendaya. Circle the calendar, this is a key date. 

As for Paul and his love life and why the internet is popping off today… 

 

New photos of Paul and Gracie in New York giving TikTok and Twitter exactly what they want. 

Photo credits: Cover Images/ Abaca Press/ INSTARimages

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