Former Netflix star turned climate activist looks unrecognisable at Melbourne Film Festival

An Australian Orange Is the New Black star looked unrecognisable as she attended Melbourne International Festival’s opening night gala on Thursday.

Yael Stone, who played prisoner Lorna Morello on the hit Netflix show, stunned as she walked the red carpet in an elaborate gown.

The pink and grey silk dress flowed about her as she arrived, with floral patterned details on the bust and the sleeves turning heads.

In contrast to her dark hair and ruby red lipstick on the women’s prison drama, Yael went for a more natural makeup look and coloured her hair a brighter shade of red.

Stone famously turned her back on Hollywood in 2020 for ‘ethical’ reasons.

In response to the 2019-2020 bushfire season in Australia, the actress gave up her United States green card to return Down Under permanently in order to fight a ‘climate war.’

In 2020, Stone said she came to the decision to give up her life in the United States ‘after a long, considered process’.

‘We’ve come to understand that it’s unethical for us to set up a life in two countries, knowing what we know,’ Stone said in a video posted to social media at the time, describing the travel as ‘environmentally unjust’.

An Australian Orange Is the New Black star looked unrecognisable as she attended Melbourne International Festival's opening night gala on Thursday. (pictured: Yael Stone)

An Australian Orange Is the New Black star looked unrecognisable as she attended Melbourne International Festival’s opening night gala on Thursday. (pictured: Yael Stone)

‘The carbon emissions alone from that flying – it’s unethical. It’s not right,’ said Stone in her statement. 

‘So I will be going through the process of giving up my green card, and saying goodbye to a life in America. I’m going to be here in Australia doing the the work I can to make a difference here. Because the time is now.’

Having worked extensively in Australian theatre, the brunette beauty won two Sydney Theatre Awards before moving to New York in 2011.

At the 2008 Sydney Theatre Awards, she won the awards for Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Kid.

Yael also starred in Australian dramas All Saints and Spirited.

Stone, who played prisoner Lorna Morello on the hit Netflix show, stunned as she walked the red carpet in an elaborate gown

Stone, who played prisoner Lorna Morello on the hit Netflix show, stunned as she walked the red carpet in an elaborate gown 

Stone is a vocal advocate for several causes, including women’s rights and environmentalism.

Since returning to Australia, she has appeared in several locally produced TV series, including Wellmania alongside Celeste Barber, Bay of Fires, and One Night.

Yael was joined on the red carpet by another internationally successful Australian actress, Succession’s Sarah Snook. 

In contrast to her dark hair and ruby red lipstick on the women's prison drama, Yael went for a more natural makeup look and coloured her hair a brighter shade of red. Pictured on Orange Is The New Black

In contrast to her dark hair and ruby red lipstick on the women’s prison drama, Yael went for a more natural makeup look and coloured her hair a brighter shade of red. Pictured on Orange Is The New Black

The Adelaide-born actress, 36, radiated elegance and charm as she graced the red carpet, beaming for the cameras in a chic ensemble.

Snook turned heads in a designer grey blazer, effortlessly paired with a crisp white dress shirt and sleek black trousers. 

She added a touch of glamor to her look with a silver bolo tie and pearl earrings and looked to be having the time of her life as she graced the exclusive event.

Succession star Sarah Snook (pictured) also dazzled as she stepped out on Thursday night for the Melbourne International Film Festival premiere

Succession star Sarah Snook (pictured) also dazzled as she stepped out on Thursday night for the Melbourne International Film Festival premiere

Her radiant makeup highlighted her flawless complexion, while her signature long red hair was perfectly styled in loose waves, which cascaded around her shoulders.

 Snook lit up the red carpet with her infectious smile, effortlessly stealing the spotlight.

Sarah rose to fame in Succession which ran from 2018 until 2023.

Her part in the critically acclaimed hit series won the red-headed beauty a raft of best actress prizes including an Emmy and two Golden Globes.

 

Previous Article

Katy Perry's 'Weird' Bedtime Ritual: 'I Swear By It'

Next Article

Nina Dobrev's Recovery Update: 'Ahead of Schedule' with Six Months to Go

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe to our email newsletter to get the latest posts delivered right to your email.
Pure inspiration, zero spam ✨