The Academy Museum Gala 2026 brought a host of film and music stars to Los Angeles on Saturday night, with Charlize Theron, John Carpenter and Colman Domingo among the evening’s honourees.
The sixth annual event was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 17, raising money to support the museum’s work celebrating and preserving cinema.
Proceeds from the gala help fund exhibitions, educational opportunities and public screenings, while supporting the museum’s aim of remaining accessible to visitors of all ages.
Academy Museum Gala honours
Theron received the Icon Award, which recognises an artist whose career has made a significant global impact.
Carpenter was presented with the Luminary Award for contributions that have expanded the creative possibilities of filmmaking. Domingo received the Vantage Award, honouring a film artist challenging dominant narratives around cinema.
The gala was co-chaired by Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw.
Stars on the red carpet
The event followed the worldwide fashion weeks held between September and October, giving guests the chance to appear in a series of recent runway looks.
Kate Hudson attended in Armani Privé, while Sarah Pidgeon wore Chanel, Cailee Spaeny appeared in Valentino, Naomi Ackie chose Balenciaga with Boucheron jewellery, and Mia Goth wore Dior.
Other guests photographed at the Academy Museum included Jennifer Hudson, Hunter Schafer, Tinashe, Sofia Richie, Jessica Biel, Mckenna Grace, Ellen Pompeo and Diego Calva.
The wider guest list featured Stephen Kalyn, Michael Johnston, John Turturro, Summer H. Howell, Jessica Lange, Awkwafina, Cole Escola, Kristen Wiig, the Duffer Brothers, Eli Roth, Stephen Root, Reece Feldman and Sian Heder.
