Melissa Leong glows for gold at NGV Picasso launch
MasterChef star Melissa Leong has spoken out about her Gold Logie hopes as she joined other celebs at the Picasso exhibition launch at the NGV.
Confidential
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She hasn’t got the gold yet, but MasterChef star and 2022 Logies nominee Melissa Leong was aglow at the opening night of The Picasso Century at the NGV International on Thursday night.
“I never thought I’d have a Logie or a Logie nomination,” Leong, who has been nominated for a Gold Logie, said. “It’s an honour to be nominated in such an incredible class of human beings who have worked in the industry for a long time.”
She added: “I know I’m a newcomer, I know I’m the dark horse, but I think I’m in with a chance. I love what I do, I get to connect with people on a daily basis. If that resonates with people, then I’m truly honoured.”
Leong attended the launch with partner Rob Mason.
The Picasso Century, developed by the Centre Pompidou and the Musee National Picasso-Paris, features 80 works by Picasso alongside 100 works by 50 of his contemporaries, including Georges Braque, Salvador Dali and Henri Matisse.
Others VIPs on the red carpet on Thursday included former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil, reality star Tayla Damir, chef Diana Chan, model Bec Harding, multi-tasking mogul Bec Judd, and Victorian Creative Industries Minister Danny Pearson.
Meanwhile, hot couple alert. Indigenous rapper-singer Baker Boy made an impressive entrance with his partner, fashion stylist Aurie Spencer-Gill.
Aurie is styling the chart-topping musician and throwing colours into his wardrobe.
“It took some convincing at first,” she said, laughing.
“It used to be everything black,” Baker Boy confirmed. “But colours make me feel good, they make me feel bright.”
Mr Pearson said The Picasso Century, a world exclusive exhibition, cements the NGV’s reputation as a globally recognised gallery.
“You’ve got to have the best and brightest, and we have that in spades at the NGV. When you have really strong leadership coming out of the gallery – the people’s gallery – you achieve these amazing outcomes.”