The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially begun! The opening ceremony of the Olympics had a special guest – actor Charlize Theron – who took the stage to share a message of peace in Milan. The Milano Cortina 2026: Winter Olympics 2026 is taking place in Italy and the first day has a full schedule, with sports like women’s downhill skiing, men’s big air snowboarding and more taking place.
However, we have already got our first fashion moment from this year’s Olympics in Charlize Theron. She made a sartorial statement at the 2026 Olympics opening ceremony in Milan on Friday. The actress, who appeared on behalf of her role as a United Nations peace ambassador, quoted a fellow South African, former President Nelson Mandela, during the televised event.
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To recite this message of “peace”, Theron selected a modest yet elegant long-sleeved black gown with two collarbone cutouts that resembled a heart. She paired the dress with silver diamond earrings and a few rings. She tied her hair in a low, sleeked-back bun and wore black open-toe stilettos.
Charliez Theron’s message of peace
When standing up on stage and speaking to the eager audience, the actor quoted anti-apartheid activist and the first President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. He has made this speech at the Global Convention on Peace and Nonviolence in New Delhi, India, in 2004. It was the same year the actress won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Monster.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict,” Charlize Theron quoted Mandela as having said. “Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference.”
The Mad Max: Fury Road actor said that she believes “today, this message seems more relevant than ever.”
While addressing the “athletes, spectators from every corner of the world,” Charlize Theron told the crowd at Milano San Siro Stadium and the people watching from home that she hoped the international event would help all people come together. “Let these Games be more than just sport,” Charlize Theron said.
She added, “Let them be a reminder of our common humanity, our respect for one another, and a resounding call for peace everywhere.”
One of the reasons the actor is the perfect person to address the crowds at thwas because of the humanitarian work that she does outside of Hollywood. Charlize has founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project in 2007, an organization dedicated to supporting the health, education and safety of young people in southern Africa.
In 2008, she was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace, using her platform to advocate for youth empowerment and public health initiatives on a global stage.
