Australia’s most exclusive date night: Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks join the country’s hottest couples – including Maria Thattil and Moana Hope – at the star-studded NGV Gala 2023

The glitterati came out in force for the NGV Gala 2023 at the National Gallery of Victoria on Saturday. 

Leading the charge was Liam Hemsworth, who was joined by his glamorous girlfriend Gabriella Brooks. 

The Hunger Games star looked dapper in a slick black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders. 

He had his blonde hair perfectly slicked back and had trimmed his facial hair to ensure that he looked smart and respectable for the occasion. 

Gabriella looked chic in a blue satin gown which was casually draped around her slender frame. 

The 27-year-old slicked her dark blonde hair back into a tight bun and kept her makeup minimal. 

At one point, she gazed adoringly up at her strapping boyfriend as they posed for photos.

Former MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong was impossible to miss in a dramatic red gown.

Looking almost unrecognisable compared to her usual self, the 41-year-old appeared to have dyed her brunette hair a chestnut brown. 

Meanwhile, model Jessica Gomes went for a much simpler look compared to some of the extravagant gowns on display.

The Sports Illustrated stunner showcased her incredible figure in a racy black cocktail dress that featured bold cut-outs across the torso. 

She had her brunette hair pulled back in a tight, sleek bun, and accessorised with some expensive diamond earrings. 

Jessica completed her look with a pain of pointed black heels with rhinestone straps.  

The beauty made sure that she worked the camera from every angle as she posed up a storm by the media wall.  

Australian supermodel Bambi Northwood-Blyth was the picture of simple elegance on the night.

The 32-year-old sparkled in a little black dress that featured floral diamond embellishments all over. 

She accessorised with some minimal diamond jewellery, including a necklace and a bracelet.  

Bringing some romance to the event was none other than Maria Thattil and her girlfriend Moana Hope.

The Miss Universe Australia 2020 flashed her abs in an oversized cream skirt and matching crop top. 

She added a pair of teardrop statement earrings and opted for a clean and bronzed makeup look with a plum lipstick.  

Her Australian Survivor star girlfriend Moana went for a more masculine look by donning a stylish pair of black trousers with a matching blazer and white top. 

Tony Armstrong and his girlfriend Rona Glynn-McDonald went for high glamour with Tony in a chic suit with a blazer that featured some glittering threads. 

Rona chose a show-stopping silver gown with a a long train which clung close to her physique.  

E-commerce queen Anastasia Fai Kogan stole the show in a dramatic rainbow swirl gown. 

The sleeveless number included a black bust, which she matched to her sheer, opera length gloves. 

Anastasia opted for a bronzed makeup look with a dark pink lipstick and wore her brunette locks partly swept off her face. 

She completed the glamorous ensemble with a smattering of gold accessories and drop earrings. 

Also turning heads was artist Agnieszka Pilat who glittered in a gold halterneck gown with cutouts that showed off a hint of skin.

She added a pair of cream patent heels in a pointed design and completed the ensemble paired with a fur shawl.

Aurelia St Clair also went the metallic route, choosing a daring dress that showed off lots of bust. 

The comedian and writer added to the look with futuristic earrings and a pair of black pointed heels. 

Emma Lewisham was classic in black, choosing a slinky number with a deep V-neck design that showed off some skin.

The skincare maven added a diamond choker and carried a small patent designer purse, finishing the look with open-toed heels. 

Society couple Jaimee Belle Kennedy and James Kennedy made it a date night, each opting for high fashion black ensembles. 

Jaimee stunned in a plunging silk gown which she paired with a dramatic feather boa, and she carried a mini Chanel purse. 

Chief executive of the Melbourne Fashion Festival Caroline Ralphsmith brought the drama in a stunning tulle gown in graduating tones of blue. 

She carried a designer purse and layered a number of punk-inspired bracelets while keeping her reading glasses on for a smart touch.  

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan brought along her husband Yorick Piper, and was looking chic in her black, fitted gown accessorised with a statement necklace. 

Philanthropist Krystyna Campbell-Pretty glistened in gold, choosing an old Hollywood style gown paired with ribbon heels. 

Author Kate Reid channelled the 1920’s in an intricately beaded art deco gown and a silver glittery purse, which matched her shoes. 

Described as the ‘undisputed crown jewel in the Australian cultural calendar’ by Vogue magazine, the NGV Gala has been running since 2017. 

The black-tie gala marks the opening of the the opening of the National Gallery of Victoria’s summer exhibition, featuring 75 projects by 100 artists.