Winners of Marie Claire’s Women of The Year Awards 2023 revealed
Maria Thattil turned heads in a “sexy” cut out dress as she posed alongside her AFLW star girlfriend Moana Hope at a glitzy awards night.
Australia’s most “game-changing” women were crowned at the annual Marie Claire Women of the Year Awards in Sydney on Tuesday.
And, given the historic year of female sport which saw Australia’s football team crush all-time TV ratings records during the Women’s World Cup, it was not surprising the publication crowned “The Matildas” Champions of the Year.
Star striker Sam Kerr was also named Icon of the Year, following the team’s fourth place ranking in the tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
“Not many people could be dubbed an icon before 30, but the Matildas’ captain, Sam Kerr, is not your average 30-year-old,” the publication said.
“The talented forward, who plays for Chelsea in the UK as well as leading the Australian women’s team, has been one of the driving forces that brought the Tillies not only to where they are today in terms of football, but also into the collective hearts of the nation.
“Playing to packed stadiums around the country, in front of family and friends, while having the whole country support and get behind us was the highlight of 2023 for me,” Kerr told marie claire Australia.
“It was a surreal time and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
The Australian arm of the global publication held its fourth awards night at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, celebrating the leaders, trailblazers, change-makers and entertainers who have made Australians “laugh, think, learn and stand up” in 2023.
“For 28 years, Marie Claire has been advocating for change. There’s nothing we won’t talk about and we’re not afraid to tell it like it is,” Georgie Abay, editor of Marie Claire, said.
“With a proud history of agenda-setting journalism, mixed with a glamorous dose of fashion and beauty, marie claire is an iconic global brand that informs and steers Australian women. “All of our winners are true icons across every field, from politics, social justice, sport and business to health, advocacy and entertainment.”
Ms Abay continued: “It’s an honour to recognise the commitment, passion and bravery of this inspirational group of women. As leaders in their chosen fields, these game-changers are leading with courage and rejecting the status quo in order to build a brighter future for our next generation.”
Other winners included Kylie Minogue, who was named Entertainer of the Year, as well as sexual consent activist Chanel Contos and Maria Thattil, an advocate for inclusion and equality, who were jointly awarded the Voice of Now title.
Australian fashion mastermind Rebecca Vallance was crowned Designer of the Year, while Amy Manford, best known for her portrayal of Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, was awarded Creative of the Year.
Vallance wore one of her own designs on the night, the “Lilah” crystal-embellished tulle gown and gloves set, which retails for $1199 exclusively on Net-A-Porter.
The 2023 Rising Star Of The Year was given to Ruva Ngwenya, an accomplished live performer, who landed the part of the late queen of rock’n’roll in ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’.
All the fashion from the night
Maria Thattil and her AFLW star girlfriend Moana Hope were snapped looking extremely loved up at the glitzy event, with the Miss Universe Australia 2020 opting for a striking black cut-out dress on the red carpet.
The off-the-shoulder gown, from designer Joteo, featured an array of flesh-flashing panels as well as a long skirt. Thattil paired the “gorgeous” number with diamonds from Garen Jewellery and had her make-up done by iconic beauty brand Revlon.
“Women of The Year Awards ready with my woman,” she captioned a series of snaps ahead of the event on Instagram.
Fans were quick to label the images “stunning”, and labelled the couple – who began dating earlier this year – “cute” and “adorable”.
“Absolutely bloody gorgeous you two,” one wrote.
“The LOVE in your eyes when you’re looking at each other is GORGEOUS,” another chipped in.
While one wrote: “You are both so hot.”
“Looking sexy AF,” someone else mused.
“Holy smokes these outfits are [fire emoji]” another agreed.
Model Jesinta Franklin was also at the awards, opting for a modest silver gown, and slicking back her brunette locks.
While P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards went for an all black ensemble from Toni Maticevski which she paired with a red bag.
Model Olivia Parsons also made a show-stopping appearance, posing on the black carpet in a a see-through dress adorned with flowers.
As well as acknowledging the incredible work of these Australian women, there was also an impressive guest list, including fitness entrepreneur Michelle Bridges and celebrity chef Kylie Kwong.
Holly Boorman, the creator of HLL Creative, posed on the black carpet in a white dress with a cut out across the midriff, while singer Naomi Sequeira wore a figure hugging pink number with a cut out on the bust.
To celebrate the dominance of female sport in the 2023 winners list, Matildas midfielder Mary Fowler has graced the latest edition of Marie Claire.
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The star forward looks incredible in a black crop top and a pair of matching trimmed jeans.
“When I think about it now, it feels like a dream,” she told the publication of the Matildas success.
“It’s hard to put into words the legacy we’ve left behind. I think it’s really special that we can get recognised as a team for the work we did and the journey we’ve had together.”
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