Melissa McCarthy was a standout at this year’s Variety Power of Women event, turning heads in a dramatic, curve-hugging sequin gown while also showing off her striking weight-loss transformation.
The Bridesmaids actress, who has reportedly lost as much as 95 pounds, had plenty for fans to celebrate, from her glamorous red-carpet look to her sweet reunion with her former Gilmore Girls co-star Lauren Graham. Social media users cheered Melissa on for her show-stopping style, reunion moment, and weight-loss progress. Read more about her look for the star-studded evening and how fans reacted to it below.
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Melissa McCarthy Stuns In A Sequined Gown At The 'Variety' Power Of Women Event
The Identity Thief star attended Variety's 2026 Power of Women event on Wednesday, September 23rd, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. She arrived with her husband, Ben Falcone, and was honored for her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation, with Lauren Graham presenting her with the honor, giving fans a long-awaited Gilmore Girls reunion.
For the occasion, Melissa stunned in a black Jenny Packham gown featuring a high neckline, structured shoulders, long sleeves, and intricate beading and sequins that hugged her curves before flowing into a sheer cape. She finished the glamorous look with oversized embellished black hoop earrings and ear cuffs, along with statement rings, bangles, and pointed heels.
"If [a dress] can sparkle, why shouldn't it?" she joked on the red carpet. "This is how I went to Trader Joe's today."
Fans React To Melissa's Red Carpet Look & Weight Loss
On social media, after the Power of Women event, fans were quick to gush over the 56-year-old's stunning gown and celebrate seeing her reunite with the Gilmore Girls lead, while many also praised her noticeably slimmer figure and weight-loss progress.
Melissa has previously said that she found more success when she stopped obsessing over dieting and focused on taking a slower approach. In a 2018 interview, she said her weight loss took place over roughly five years, explaining that de-stressing and making gradual changes worked better for her than following extremely restrictive diets.
The combination of her sequined gown and slim physique had social media users flooding the comments with love for the comedic actress.
"Wow, I never would have known that was Melissa McCarthy," commented an Instagram user. "Her face looks very different to me."
"Whoever Melissa McCarthy's stylist is, they always pick the best looks," wrote another.
"Melissa looks amazing!" a fan commented, as another wrote that she "looks fabulous."
"Melissa was always beautiful, before and after her weight loss journey," a fan added. "She is a treasure."
