Tom Cruise meets women’s rights activist Malala for deep discussion at star-studded Oscars event-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Tom Cruise and Malala were seen sharing ideas at a gathering for Oscar nominees (Picture: Getty Image)

Film star Tom Cruise and women’s rights activist Malala made an unlikely pairing at a recent event for Oscars nominees this week.

Malala is a renowned public speaker, campaigner and activist, who famously survived a Taliban assassination attempt on her when she was 15 as she spoke out on the importance of education for girls and women.

In the 10 years since, she has continued her campaign for global education and equality, having last year been honoured at Variety’s Power of Women event, where she called for more Muslim representation in Hollywood films.

Now attending the Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon, the 25-year-old was seen in deep discussion with actor Cruise, who is nominated for an Oscar in this year’s ceremony for his role in Top Gun: Maverick.

Dressed in a beautifully embroidered pale outfit similar to an abaya, Malala looked bright and interested as she spoke easily to the film star.

Cruise, dressed in a smart navy pinstripe suit with a steel grey tie, looked animated as the pair conversed.

Malala and Tom drew a crowd as they got to know each other at the Luncheon (Picture: Getty Images)

The pair were in deep conversation (Picture: Getty Images)

The pair even appeared to draw a small crowd as they got to know each other, with people in the background seen stopping to take a photograph of their meeting.

Later, the activist and filmmaker posed for a photo together, each smiling for the camera as the evening got underway.

It being an Oscar event, the luncheon was, naturally, filled to the brim with A-list actors, the majority of whom are tipped for glory at next month’s awards show.

Michelle Yeoh looks amazing as she rocked up to the event (Picture: WireImage)

Normal People star Paul clinched his first Oscar nomination for his role ni Aftersun (Picture: Invision)

As well as Cruise and Malala, the event was attended by the likes of Banshees Of Inisherin stars Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell – who is nominated for his first-ever Oscar.

Jamie Lee Curtis, nominated for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once was spotted greeting Cruise like an old friend, while the film’s leading lady Michelle Yeoh looked incredible and oozed confidence as she rocked up o the red carpet.

Jamie greeted Tom with a tight hug and her hands on his face (Picture: Invision)

Irish actors Brendan and Colin were in top form at the prestigious event (Picture: Invision)

Elvis star Austin Butler, world-famous director Steven Spielberg, The Mummy icon Brendan Fraser and Aftersun star Paul Mescal also helped make the night one to remember.

Meanwhile, Cruise, 60, is gearing up for the next instalment of the Top Gear franchise – however he is reportedly pushing back filming in order to attend King Charles’ coronation.

Apparently ‘a real royalist’, the action hero broke away from his strict work schedule to make time for the highly-anticipated day after receiving the prestigious invite.

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‘He will not miss out on’ watching the new king receive his crown, The Sun reported and ‘would never turn it down’.

An insider continued spilling to the news outlet: ‘Tom has been invited to King Charles’ Coronation and there is no way he would have ever turned it down.’

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