From Dom Hemingway to Me Before You: Emilia Clarke’s Red Carpet Evolution

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Dom Hemingway actress Emilia Clarke had a busy month in May 2016! After spending time in New York City promoting her new movie with The Hunger Games actor Sam Claflin, the then-29-year-old actress — best known for portraying Khaleesi in HBO’s Game of Thrones — made a stunning appearance on the red carpet at the premiere of Me Before You in a pale lavender, tiered lace Chloé dress.

Emilia Clarke radiates elegance in a pale lavender, ruffled Chloé dress at the Me Before You premiere, complemented by soft, rosy makeup and a chic updoEmilia Clarke radiates elegance in a pale lavender, ruffled Chloé dress at the Me Before You premiere, complemented by soft, rosy makeup and a chic updo on May 24, 2016, at AMC Loews Lincoln Square in New York City (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

While Emilia Clarke captivated audiences at the Me Before You premiere with her romantic red carpet style, it’s worth noting the breadth of her acting range.

Just a few years earlier, Emilia took on a vastly different role in the British crime comedy-drama Dom Hemingway, where she portrayed Evelyn Hemingway, the estranged daughter of the titular character. This role showcased her versatility, offering a stark contrast to the elegance she exuded on the red carpet.

A Look Back at Emilia Clarke’s Role in Dom Hemingway

In 2013, Emilia starred as Evelyn Hemingway in Dom Hemingway, a British crime comedy-drama starring Jude Law as the lead character, a safecracker released from prison after serving a 12-year sentence.

Despite being only 14 years older than Emilia, Jude Law convincingly played her father in the film, even drinking ten Coca-Colas a day to gain weight for the role.

Jude Law as Dom Hemingway and Emilia Clarke as his estranged daughter Evelyn in the 2013 British black comedy–crime drama film Dom HemingwayJude Law as Dom Hemingway and Emilia Clarke as his estranged daughter Evelyn in the 2013 British black comedy–crime drama film Dom Hemingway (Credit: Lionsgate)

Jude Law’s Transformation for Dom Hemingway

“[Drinking] ten Coca-Colas a day, [was] amazing!” the actor told The Telegraph.

“Oh, it was a joyous role to take on. Because I am at a stage in my life where I’m panicking a bit. ‘Ooh, am I going a bit bald? Am I getting a bit…?’ You can’t help doing that in your late 30s, can you? When you realise that you’re no longer the 21-year-old you used to be. So playing someone who was letting it all go was really liberating.”

Director Richard Shepard, actors Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Demian Bichir, Emilia Clarke, and Madalina Ghenea pose at the 'Dom Hemingway' Press ConferenceDirector Richard Shepard, actors Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Demian Bichir, Emilia Clarke in a Versace skirt and top with Christian Louboutin shoes, and Madalina Ghenea pose at the ‘Dom Hemingway’ Press Conference during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at TIFF Bell Lightbox on September 9, 2013, in Toronto, Canada (Credit: Future Image / Startraksphoto)

“Now that I’ve lost the weight and my receding hairline isn’t quite as bad as we made it look for the part, I can look in the mirror and think, ‘Oh, it’s not that bad! I’m still looking all right, actually!'” he added with a laugh.

Dom Hemingway’s Reception and Critic Reviews

When Dom Hemingway premiered on September 8, 2013, during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, Emilia Clarke was 26, and her co-star Jude Law was 40. She celebrated her 27th birthday on October 23, 2013, and he turned 41 on December 29, 2013.

While Jude Law was praised for his performance, critics felt the film was uneven and lacked a clear focus. Some people also didn’t like the film’s dark humor.

It didn’t help that the main character, Dom Hemingway, is a complex and sometimes unlikeable figure. Directed and written by Richard Shepard, it’s a fictional film and not based on a true story.

Emilia Clarke’s Red Carpet Style at the Me Before You Premiere

Emilia wears a romantic lavender dress from Chloé on the red carpet of the "Me Before You" premiereEmilia wears a romantic lavender dress from Chloé on the red carpet of the “Me Before You” premiere (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Although the dress would have been a better option for an era-themed costume party, Emilia looked stunning.

Emilia Clarke shows off the ruffles and tiers of her romantic Chloé dressEmilia Clarke shows off the ruffles and tiers of her romantic Chloé dress (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Emilia wears a romantic lavender dress from Chloé on the red carpet of the "Me Before You" premiereEmilia wears a romantic lavender dress from Chloé on the red carpet of the “Me Before You” premiere (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

The actress wore her hair in a French twist, letting a few strands down, and opted for soft, rosy, glam makeup.

Emilia Clarke wears soft makeup to match her delicate tiered lace Chloé dressEmilia Clarke wears soft makeup to match her delicate tiered lace Chloé dress (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Emilia Clarke poses with her costar, Sam Claflin, on the red carpet of the "Me Before You" premiereEmilia Clarke poses with her costar, Sam Claflin, on the red carpet of the “Me Before You” premiere (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Emilia finished her red carpet ensemble with metallic, ankle-strap Casadei sandals.

Emilia Clarke completes her red carpet look with metallic, ankle-strap Casadei sandals, adding a touch of glamour to her flowing Chloé dressEmilia Clarke completes her red carpet look with metallic, ankle-strap Casadei sandals, adding a touch of glamour to her flowing Chloé dress (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)