The Oscars are still five months away but it’s never too early to campaign, and when it’s a proper Oscar event, of course you show up to represent. 

 

The second annual Academy Museum Gala happened on Saturday, this year honouring the contributions of Miky Lee, Steve McQueen, Tilda Swinton, and Julia Roberts who was presented with the Icon award by George Clooney – convenient promotion for their movie, Ticket to Paradise, opening this coming Friday. George, of course, was joined at the event by Amal, always a fashion plate. 

Amal Clooney and George Clooney attend the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala
Amal Clooney and George Clooney attend the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California
 

But for me, on fashion, it’s Julia. Her promotional wardrobe over the last few weeks has been incredible, a series of tailored looks …. 

…that built to the f-cking amazing Thom Browne she wore to the Academy gala. 

I love this so much – the corset over the white shirt under the blazer-cape that’s white-lined inside… it’s SO good and it’s so her. Excellent styling happening here. 

Julia Roberts arrives at the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala
Julia Roberts arrives at the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California
 

To go back to the work of the gala though, and campaign season, we saw strong representation from Team Everything Everywhere All At Once, led by Michelle Yeoh who attended alongside co-stars Stephanie Hsu ...

Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu attend the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala
Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu attend the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California

and ….Ke Huy Quan! Justice for Ke Huy Quan, whose acting career stalled in the 1990s after roles in Indiana Jones and The Goonies and who is now part of the most successful independent film of the year with real Oscar chances. 

Ke Huy Quan attends the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala
Ke Huy Quan attends the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California

Michelle is considered a contender for a Best Actress nomination for her work in Everything Everywhere All At Once; the frontrunner in the category is Cate Blanchett. But anything can happen between now and March. Considering how early EEAAO came out, the fact that Michelle is still in the race means that the Academy is paying attention. 

 

One final note – I almost cried seeing Michelle make a point of posting photos of herself at the gala with the Asian talent in the room. We need more…but there’s more than there’s ever been before.