George and Amal Clooney arrive at the American Film Institute’s 46th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute To George Clooney. Photo: Getty
In her role as a high-powered human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney is used to addressing large crowds with all eyes on her. However, the Beirut-born barrister admitted she was battling nerves as she gave her first public speech about her husband, Hollywood star George Clooney, this week. The mother of two gave a moving address about the actor and director in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, as he was honored with a Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute.
The couple, who celebrated the first birthday of their twins Ella and Alexander a day earlier on June 6, dialled up the glamour as they swept into the Dolby Theater, with Ocean’s 11 star George donning a rather dapper tux. Amal wore a shimmering pink gown by Prada, which featured a nostalgic, off-shoulder silhouette and cut-away skirt. Embroidered with gold beading and clear sequins, the custom gabardine creation was both elegantly feminine and unapologetically glitzy.
Also Read: Shanina Shaik Opens Up About Her Idyllic Bahamian Wedding
During the gala, which was attended by A-listers including Cate Blanchett, Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Aniston, Shirley MacLaine, and Anna Kendrick, Amal delivered a speech about her husband, whom she wed in Venice in 2014. “It’s somehow easier for me to address a court on behalf of a detainee, than to speak publicly as I am doing for the first time tonight about my husband,” the lawyer said in her landmark address, going on to reveal “a few things you may not know about [George]”.
“First, he is a gentleman. He is a gentleman in every sense of the word and in a way that seems so rare these days and perhaps even outdated,” said a proud Amal. “Everyone who knows him, even those who oppose him politically or who have quarreled with him professionally, will tell you, he has not forgotten his Kentucky manners. On every set I visit, I’m told by crew that George sticks up for the most vulnerable.”
Amal paid tribute to her husband’s “incredible talent and character”, adding that such attributes make him “an amazing husband and father”. “I met George when I was 35 and starting to become quite resigned to the idea that I was going to be a spinster,” the British-Lebanese lawyer said, candidly. “Then we met and started hiding out in my London flat and very soon it felt like, no matter what happened, I would never want to be with anyone else. My love, what I have found with you is the great love I always hoped existed.”
Amal Clooney attends the American Film Institute’s 46th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to George Clooney. Photo: Getty
The barrister also touched on the pair’s journey into parenthood last year, revealing that seeing George with their children is “the greatest joy in my life”. “You fill our home with laughter and happiness and that’s even before the children have worked out that ‘da-da’ is Batman, a talking fox, and friends with Mary Poppins. I’m so proud of you my love. Congratulations on this great honor that you’re receiving tonight. I’m proud of you, but I also know that when our children find out not only what you have done, but who you are, they will be so proud of you too.”
In a video clip obtained by the Daily Mail, George looked visibly moved and teary-eyed as Amal returned to their table following her speech. With tributes like that, is it any wonder the Clooneys are one of our favorite celebrity couples?
Now Read: Duke and Duchess of Sussex Make Glamorous Appearance at Buckingham Palace
