George Clooney's Tribute to Giorgio Armani at the 2026 WWD Style Awards: A Hilarious and Heartfelt Celebration
The 2026 WWD Style Awards brought together Hollywood's elite, with George Clooney delivering a memorable tribute to his late friend, Giorgio Armani. In a speech that blended humor and emotion, Clooney honored Armani's legacy while also poking fun at fellow actor Richard Gere.
Clooney, accepting the Red Carpet Visionary Award on behalf of the late Armani, who passed away in September, shared a poignant reflection on the designer's impact on his life and career. "He was 91 years old and left us far too soon," Clooney said, emphasizing Armani's enduring influence in the fashion industry. "I would argue that if anyone should be up here talking about Giorgio, it should be Richard Gere. They both put each other on the map."
In a lighthearted moment that left the audience in stitches, Clooney jokingly referred to Richard Gere as "f--- him," prompting thunderous laughter. However, he quickly backtracked, expressing his genuine admiration for Armani. "I actually love him," he said, turning to Demi Moore, who was seated nearby. "Stick with me on this one."
Moore, a fashion icon, joined in the fun, sharing a humorous anecdote about her own fashion choices. "As [stylist] Brad [Goreski] can tell you, if left to my own devices, I dress like a 12-year-old boy," she said, drawing laughter from the crowd. She then paid tribute to her beloved chihuahua, Pilaf, expressing her regret for not bringing him to the event.
The ceremony celebrated the unsung heroes of Hollywood's fashion scene, including stylists Erin Walsh and Jason Bolden, makeup artist Gucci Westman, and hairstylist Adir Abergel. These talented individuals were recognized for their contributions to the red-carpet looks of A-list stars.
Hairstylist Adir Abergel, in a heartwarming moment, recalled a time when he almost left Kristen Stewart 'bald' during a photoshoot. He praised Stewart's fearless approach to her craft, describing her as an 'absolutely fearless artist and an icon.'
The WWD Style Awards, held on the first day of a marathon weekend leading up to the Golden Globe Awards, featured concise and heartfelt speeches from the 11 award recipients. Despite the short duration, the ceremony left a lasting impression on the attendees, who appreciated the focus on the talented individuals behind the scenes in Hollywood.
