Malala Yousafzai dazzles in silver sequins at Oscars 2023 after being nominated for award

Activist and campaigner looked resplendent in floor-length silver Ralph Lauren dress

Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. AFP

Malala Yousafzai walked the Oscars champagned-coloured carpet wearing head-to-toe sparkling sequins before revealing pop star Rihanna would be most likely to bring out her "fangirl" at this year's awards.

The activist and campaigner, 25, stood with her husband in a silver, sequined, long-sleeved gown with gathered detailing at the midriff and a matching hijab.

The Ralph Lauren dress harkened back to a look by the same designer worn by actress Janelle Monae at the 2020 Academy Awards.

Ms Yousafzai posed next to Asser Malik, with whom she tied the knot in November 2021.

"This is my first time, it's just been so surreal," she said. "There are so many beautiful and gorgeous people walking around — I can't believe they are by my side.

Asked if there was anyone who would make her "fan girl", she laughed and replied "Rihanna".

"I can't wait to see her and then hear her sing, I don't know what's going to happen to me."

Yousafzai is the executive producer of Stranger at the Gate, which is nominated for best documentary short film at the Oscars.

"This is such a powerful story about the power of forgiveness, redemption, compassion, and I was so honoured to be a part of it," she said.

Ms Yousafzai has previously spoken out about the lack of Muslim representation in Hollywood films.

She used her speech as one of the honourees at Variety's Power of Women in September 2022 to talk about the issue, saying that even the response of industry executives towards commissioning projects by minority creatives felt like being told "we just don't belong here".