Designer fashion took center stage at the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Music superstars and Hollywood actors gathered at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter led the style highlights of the evening. They showcased couture creations from top fashion houses alongside a star-studded guest list that helped raise over $14 million for museum exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programming.
Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter Headline Red-Carpet Style
Taylor Swift arrived at the fundraiser wearing a strapless pale blue pleated Dior gown crafted with panels of pleating, a gathered bodice, and crystal beading. The singer accessorized her look with Chopard diamond jewelry, including platinum-set earrings featuring 32.40 carats of diamonds. Later in the evening, Swift took the stage as the night’s featured performer. She delivered a special set that included the live debut of her song “The Fate of Ophelia,” for which she changed into a sequined cobalt blue dress.
Sabrina Carpenter brought her own signature style to the carpet in a custom sapphire blue Giorgio Armani Privé silk cady gown. Inspired by a look from the fashion house’s collection, the striking dress featured an open back design with delicate tassels cascading from her shoulders. Carpenter completed her ensemble with matching diamond and sapphire earrings by Chopard.
Honorees and Star-Studded Attendee Highlights
Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw co-chaired the event, which also celebrated major figures across the film industry. Sigourney Weaver presented Charlize Theron with the Icon Award. Colman Domingo received the Vantage Award, and filmmaker John Carpenter accepted the Luminary Award. Domingo turned heads on the red carpet in a custom beaded Valentino jacket paired with a tuxedo shirt, trousers, and an undone bow tie.
Other notable attendees included Rosé, Kendall Jenner, Jacob Elordi, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Inde Navarrette, who wore a Schiaparelli haute-couture gown featuring cascading polka dots. Inside the venue, guests mingled away from the cameras. Swift was photographed catching up with Carpenter, Joey King, Cara Delevingne, and sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the 2026 Academy Museum Gala take place?
The sixth annual Academy Museum Gala took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
What designer dress did Taylor Swift wear?
Taylor Swift wore a strapless pale blue pleated Dior gown with crystal beading, complemented by Chopard diamond jewelry. She later changed into a sequined cobalt blue dress for her performance.
What did Sabrina Carpenter wear to the event?
Sabrina Carpenter wore a custom cobalt blue Giorgio Armani Privé silk cady gown featuring an open back with cascading shoulder tassels.
Who were the official honorees at the 2026 gala?
The evening honored Charlize Theron with the Icon Award, Colman Domingo with the Vantage Award, and filmmaker John Carpenter with the Luminary Award.
How much money did the gala raise?
The sixth annual Academy Museum Gala raised more than $14 million to support the museum’s exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programming.
