Melissa McCarthy stepped out in a glittering black dress at Variety's 2026 Power of Women event in Beverly Hills on September 23, with husband Ben Falcone by her side.
The actress, 56, chose an intricately beaded design with a gathered waist and sweeping sheer cape panels for the occasion, where she also reunited with her Gilmore Girls co-star Lauren Graham.
Melissa's black dress featured a high neckline, structured shoulders and shimmering embellishments that radiated from a knot at her waist and showcased her 95lbs weight loss.
Long, sheer cape panels fell down either side of the outfit, with vertical strands of beads adding movement as she posed for photographs.
Melissa accessorised with oversized dark hoop earrings, a sparkling ear cuff and a statement ring, carrying a small embellished clutch. Pointed black heels completed the look, while burgundy nails provided a touch of colour.
© AFP via Getty ImagesHer hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, drawing attention to her jewellery and softly defined makeup. Ben coordinated with his wife in a glossy black suit, a matching shirt and tie, and a jewelled floral brooch. Melissa linked arms with her husband before posing alongside Lauren, who wore a bright red asymmetric dress.
The event recognised Melissa's support for the Joyful Heart Foundation, which works to change society's response to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Fellow honorees included Jennifer Hudson, Sharon Stone and television executive Pearlena Igbokwe.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe diet Melissa McCarthy said she would never repeat
The Bridesmaids star has been candid about the extreme measures she tried before changing her approach to weight loss.
During her Gilmore Girls years, Melissa followed a four-month, doctor-supervised liquid diet that helped her lose 70lbs. However, she made it clear that the experience was not one she wanted to repeat.
"I'd never do that again," she told People. "I felt starved and crazy half the time."
She later described taking a slower approach. During a 2018 appearance on The Breakfast Club, Melissa explained that she had lost weight gradually over approximately five years, finding it more manageable when she stopped constantly trying restrictive plans.
© AFP via Getty ImagesLearning to stop worrying about her weight
Melissa explained that easing the pressure she put on herself had helped change her relationship with her body. "I finally said [to myself], 'Oh, for God's sake, stop worrying about it', and it may be the best thing I've ever done," she shared on CBS Mornings. "I truly stopped worrying about [my weight]. I stopped over-analyzing, over-thinking, over-doing anything."
She added: "I just stopped constantly being worried about it, and I think there's something to kinda loosening up and not being so nervous and rigid about it that, bizarrely, has worked."
That shift followed years of being critical of her appearance. Reflecting on her school years in a 2017 Rolling Stone interview, Melissa recalled participating in cheerleading, gymnastics, tennis and weight training, yet still worrying about her size.
Looking back at photographs made her question why she had judged herself so harshly. She also described failing to appreciate her body during periods of her twenties when she considered herself in good shape.
Melissa McCarthy's approach to fitness
Melissa's work has also involved physical training. Ahead of playing CIA employee Susan Cooper in the 2015 comedy Spy, she worked with a martial arts instructor to prepare for the film's action scenes.
When asked about the secret behind her weight loss in 2016, however, she answered with her trademark humour. "No trick, nothing to tell, just super boring life," she told Extra. "You bring it real down, you don't do anything fun, and you go to bed at 7:30 - that's the trick."
© FilmMagicMelissa McCarthy's next role
The celebration came ahead of Melissa's next dramatic project, The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey, in which she plays Patsy Ramsey opposite Clive Owen.
The series is scheduled to premiere on December 10. Discussing the role, Melissa explained that she initially hesitated before becoming drawn to the family's experience of grief and public scrutiny following JonBenét's death.
Away from work, Melissa and Ben share daughters Vivian and Georgette. The couple married in October 2005 and have frequently collaborated on films, building a creative partnership alongside their family life.
