Da’Vine Joy Randolph Aims for Drama and Elegance at 2026 Academy Museum Gala
Da’Vine Joy Randolph says she has been living in what she calls her “creative bag.” The Oscar‑winning actress, who took home the Best Supporting Actress trophy in 2024 for her powerful turn in The Holdovers, has kept a busy schedule in Hollywood and has also been exploring new creative outlets this fall. “Life has been good – I’ve been starting my own garden, which is a fun thing I’ve been doing lately,” she told Vogue. “It’s a beautiful, bountiful garden. What I love about fall is it feels like a restart and a drive to the finish line: I feel very motivated right now. I’ve been developing projects, books, films, TV shows, podcasts.”
To step away from that whirlwind, Randolph joined a host of A‑list guests at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala, an event that highlights the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate cinema. “I love what it stands for, but more importantly, I love that it feels like the kickoff of award season,” she said. “It feels like a big reunion. We get to get all dressed up again. It’s really fun and a beautiful event.”
One of the night’s highlights for her was hearing the speeches from the special honorees, including Charlize Theron and Colman Domingo. “My favorite moment of the night was Colman’s speech,” Randolph recalled. “Everyone was on their feet by the end of it. It was deeply moving and right on time: He truly is a star through and through, not only for his work but for his beautiful heart and soul.”
On the red carpet, Randolph chose a custom white, off‑the‑shoulder column gown with a sweeping train from Louis Vuitton. “It gives drama, elegance … and body,” she explained. She noted that the collaboration with Louis Vuitton had been in the works for some time. “Louis Vuitton and I have been excited over this for a while. We’ve been wanting to get this look off, and this was the moment. I’ve been really spoiled by Louis Vuitton. They truly do it like no other: The fabrics are so rich and beautiful. There’s no cost spared.”
Randolph praised the dress’s structure, saying it “truly carves out my silhouette – it feels like it’s truly poured onto my body.” She added that the execution was flawless, with no visible seams or stitches, and that the atelier’s craftsmanship was impeccable. She also highlighted the dramatic elements, especially the train and the bustle at the back, which she initially doubted she would like but now calls “a must.” “They truly put a lot of love, care, and thought into it. You can feel it,” she said.
After the gala, Randolph will return to what she calls her “creative grind.” This fall she is promoting a new movie, The Gallerist, which co‑stars Natalie Portman, Catherine Zeta‑Jones, Jenna Ortega, Charli XCX and others. “I’m excited! We filmed it two Januaries ago, and it is coming out December 4,” she said. She also mentioned that she executive‑produced and starred in her first film, Dedicated to Morris Burke, which wrapped filming over the summer and is now in early edits.
Looking ahead, Randolph will be gearing up for the 2027 awards season, with events such as the 2026 Gotham Awards and the Governors Awards on her calendar. “I’m gearing up for awards season, which is great, so I can get used to being in corsets and getting dressed,” she laughed. “Because when I’m off duty, I’m pretty chill.” She sees her striking gala ensemble as perfect practice for the upcoming red carpets.
Below are some behind‑the‑scenes images from Randolph’s night at the Academy Museum Gala. Photo: Conrad Khalil. Video: Courtesy of Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The morning prep, massages, hydration, makeup, the custom Louis Vuitton dress, and final moments on the carpet are all captured in the accompanying clips. The team’s attention to detail is evident in every stitch of the train and the flawless fit of the gown. Randolph wrapped up the evening grateful to the Academy and Louis Vuitton for a perfect night.